Following a comprehensive defeat of Preston in an enthralling Boxing Day encounter on Monday, Leeds United (5th) travel to recently relegated Aston Villa (10th) in pursuit of a fourth consecutive league victory.

There can be no disputation whatsoever; Leeds United’s performance on Monday was the sort of bold, vintage, and venturous performance one would anticipate from a side gunning for the prosperity of the Premier League. The adroit, and somewhat facile manner in which the Whites cruised to a resounding 4-1 victory was symptomatic of a team chock full of burgeoning talent, and the auspiciousness of the result cannot be understated. Flowing from the fanbase of Leeds United is an earnest feeling of optimism.

For tomorrow’s opponents Aston Villa, the same most certainly cannot be said. In their least outing, Steve Bruce’s charges laboured to a profoundly fortuitous victory over inconsequential minnows Burton Albion, with Ross McCormack netting the decisive goal on 78 minutes after Leandro Bacuna’s opener was wonderfully cancelled out by an exquisite acrobatic effort on the part of Jamie Ward. The Villains, who slumped into the Championship with an acute, pretentious sense of entitlement, have found life particularly trying since their calamitous relegation from the Premier League last season, and despite splurging extortionate amounts of currency on several reputable names, they find themselves lumbered in a mediocre 10th position.

In spite of countless ponderous, and excessively conservative performances, (the Villains have scored merely 25 goals this season), many self-proclaimed pundits are expectant of a closely-fought match, but what say you? You can have your say by leaving a comment below.

Team News

Aston Villa

There are no fresh injury concerns for Steve Bruce. Defender Micah Richards will likely not return until the New Year, while right-back Ritchie De Laet and goalkeeper Jed Steer will miss the remainder of the season.
Midfield duo Ashley Westwood, and Jack Grealish are in contention for recalls, as are strikers Jordan Ayew, Gabby Agbonlahor and Rudy Gestede.

Leeds United

Top-scorer and talismanic striker Chris Wood, along with creative conjuror Pablo Hernandez, are both in contention for starts; both players made their returns from injury on Monday as second-half substitutes.

Tireless left-back Charlie Taylor is a doubt, while right-back Lewie Coyle and midfielder Eunan O’Kane remain sidelined with injuries.

Probable Lineups

Leeds United (4-2-3-1) - Green; Ayling, Jansson, Bartley, Berardi; Phillips, Bridcutt; Sacko, Roofe, Doukara; Wood.

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1) - Bunn; Hutton, Chester, Baker, Amavi; Jedinak, Gardner; Adomah, McCormack, Bacuna; Kodjia.

Team Facts

Aston Villa

Top Goalscorers: Jonathan Kodjia (8), Rudy Gestede (4), Ross McCormack (3).

Most Assists: Albert Adomah (5), Jordan Ayew (4), Mile Jedinak (2).

Highest Statistical Average Rating: Jordan Ayew (7.19).

Record in 2016-17 (League) - W - 8, D - 10, L - 5.

Leeds United

Top Goalscorers: Chris Wood (14), Souleymane Doukara (4), Kyle Bartley (3), Pablo Hernandez (3).

Most Assists: Kemar Roofe (4), Hadi Sacko (3), Pablo Hernandez (2).

Highest Statistical Average Rating: Pontus Jansson (7.64).

Record in 2016-17 (League) - W - 13, D - 2, L - 8.

Media: Leeds United head coach Garry Monk and Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack

Leeds United impresario Garry Monk has said that he expects a “totally different game“ to when the two sides last met at Elland Road.

Speaking to LUTV, Monk remarked: “We are playing at a fantastic stadium against a very good side with a lot of experience.

“It will be another difficult test for our young group, but one that we are excited about, we want to challenge ourselves.

“Everyone should enjoy what is happening at the moment, our fans have suffered for a number of years.

"Whatever will happen, will happen, but we are going to fight to get this club back to where it belongs.”

Meanwhile, Aston Villa forward Ross McCormack has stated that he is "relishing” the prospect of a reunion with his former club. The Scotland international of course, spent four years at Elland Road, scoring 53 goals in that period.

Speaking to avfc.co.uk, McCormack said: “It’s always good to come up against your former team — and there’s always a bit of banter from the opposition supporters!

“They are a good team and are in good form so we need to be at our best. We are confident — we’ve won five home games in a row — so we need to take that belief into this latest fixture.

“I am looking forward to it. Leeds is one of the clubs that is really close to my heart. It will be a good game, I’m sure.”

Match Facts

The Villains have kept a clean sheet in three of their last five home league encounters with Leeds.

United’s last league win at Villa Park came in April 2002, by virtue of a goal from Mark Viduka.

Hosts Villa are seeking a third successive league win, a feat that they have not achieved since April 2010.

Star Men

Aston Villa: Jonathan Kodjia, Forward - (7.16 Average Statistical Rating)

The prolific Frenchman enjoyed a fruitful season with Bristol City prior to his high-profile move to Aston Villa back in the summer transfer window, and by scoring no less than eight league goals in the claret and blue of the Villains, he has established himself as a hit with the Villa Park faithful. His speed, coupled with his skilful and direct running with the ball make him a threat to any Championship defence.

Fact: Kodjia scored 19 goals in all competitions for Bristol City last season.

Leeds United: Chris Wood, Forward - (6.94 Average Statistical Rating)

The scorer of 14 goals in all competitions thus far this term, New Zealand international Chris Wood has been a potent threat for Leeds United throughout the course of 2016-17. In a game predicted to be a closely-fought affair, Wood, who spent three seasons with Leicester City prior to joining United in 2015, could play the part of match-winner once again for Garry Monk’s side if presented with an opportunity.

Fact: Since moving to Elland Road in the summer of 2015, Wood has rattled in 27 goals in 63 appearances.

Writer's View

After a resounding and wholly comprehensive win over Preston on Monday, we make a trip to Villa Park. In recent weeks, a resurgent Villa outfit have transformed the stadium into something of a fortress; winning their last five games at home.

I anticipate a competitive game. But noting the hosts’ lacklustre performance against Burton last time out, I have full confidence in us to travel there and pull off another fantastic result.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Leeds United

Statistics derived from WhoScored.com

Photo: Action Images

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