January 4, 5:00 p.m. Birmingham. Villa Park Stadium
English Premier League. Day 20
Aston Villa (Birmingham) vs Leicester
Suspended: John Duran, Morgan Rogers (both – Aston Villa)
Injured: Pau Torres – Wout Faes (uncertain), Mads Hermansen, Wilfred Ndidi, Fatawu Issahaku, Ricardo Pereira, Casey McAteer
Aston Villa vs Leicester: Bookmaker Odds
Aston Villa
Unai Emery’s side failed to end 2024 on a high note, settling for a 2-2 draw against Brighton, which keeps them in ninth place instead of rising to sixth or in the seventh. Their average points per game in 2024 fell to 1.5 from 2.02 the year before.
Aston Villa’s main problem this season has been their inability to maintain a consistent performance throughout matches. The “Lions” often experience phases of form followed by sluggish periods. In fact, a pattern emerged during Villa’s matches: a slow start, a strong middle and a weak finish. The game against Brighton marked the eleventh time Aston Villa have conceded after the first shot on target. Additionally, Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey’s equalizing goal was the eleventh goal conceded in the final 15 minutes by Emery’s side this season.
-Additionally, the “Lions” conceded late goals in four consecutive games, highlighting the team’s fatigue. I have already highlighted that Aston Villa’s squad was unprepared to compete on two fronts, and the situation has been made worse by an injury crisis. The accumulated fatigue will continue to affect the team if the club does not correct its summer shortcomings.
Leicester
Leicester ended 2024 with a run of four consecutive defeats, dropping to penultimate in the table. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side disappointed their supporters with a shocking 0-3 defeat against Wolverhampton, but they should not be ashamed of their last performance against Manchester City (0-2). Leicester created enough chances to equalize, with close-range shots from Jamie Vardy (saved by the City goalkeeper) and James Justin (cleared off the line by Manuel Akanji) underlining their attacking intent. It is clear that the team is progressing; However, their weak defense remains a major problem that could wipe out all their gains.
In the nineteen matches this season, Leicester have conceded the most goals – 42. Of these, 15 have come in six matches under the management of Ruud van Nistelrooy. In two of those six games, Leicester faced at least 20 shots on goal, with an xG average of 2.2 for opponents. The Dutch coach understands that without improvements in defense, Leicester will struggle to stay in the Premier League.
Aston Villa vs Leicester: Predicted line-ups
Aston Villa vs Leicester: Author’s Prediction
Aston Villa are struggling away from home, but Emery’s side remain one of the best at home this season. Only Liverpool, Brentford and Arsenal have collected more points at home than the Lions. On the other hand, Leicester have struggled away, winning only one victory against Southampton (3-2) and losing their last four away games, conceding at least three goals each time. I don’t believe Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side are capable of ending this losing streak, although the absence of Morgan Rogers due to suspension may make it easier for Leicester. My prediction is that Aston Villa will win with goals from both sides.
