Sunday, December 22, 2024

Prediction: Aston Villa vs Leicester City

Verdict: Leicester to win – yes

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: 888sport

There’s no question Leicester City have been one of the best teams in the Premier League this season. The Foxes have performed way above the pre-season expectations, and right now they should be considered as the biggest title candidates to stop Liverpool. They will aim to take another step in the right direction Sunday when they visit Aston Villa. This match will kick-off Sunday at 14:00 GMT.

Aston Villa

The Villains have won just one of their last six Premier League matches (W1, D1, L4), but they have been facing tough opposition during that stretch since four of those rivals ended among the top six in the EPL standings last season. However, they have reached peak form at Villa Park since they have dropped just one of their last six league matches in that venue (W3, D2, L1). They have clinched three of their four wins in front of their fans, and they will undoubtedly aim to get another one against a tougher opponent. Even though it is still early in the season, we could consider this game to be a must-win for Villa. They sit in 17th place with 15 points, but are tied with Southampton. The Saints could put the Villains on the red zone if the right combination of results happens Sunday.

Team News

Jed Steer will be Aston Villa’s lone absentee for this game. He is recovering from an Achilles tendon injury.

Meanwhile, Keinan Davis has been listed as questionable. The 21-year-old forward is dealing with a thigh problem, and he will be a game-time decision for the coaching staff.

Leicester City

Meanwhile, The Foxes have notched eight straight wins in all competitions and have outscored their rivals 24-3 over that span. Brendan Rodgers, who recently signed an extension to remain as Leicester manager until the end of the 2024-25 season, has done a great job with the King Power Stadium outfit, and has them riding a seven-game winning streak at the Premier League. Their most recent loss came against Liverpool back in October this year, and they have done nothing but win since then. A register of 11 wins in 15 EPL matches speaks for itself, and it also helps that Leicester own the third-best attack (35 goals scored) and the top defence (nine conceded) in the league. They also feature the league’s top scorer in Jamie Vardy, who has 14 goals and three assists this term.

Team News

Matty James will be Leicester’s lone absentee ahead of this match. The defender is dealing with an Achilles tendon injury.

England international Ben Chilwell has been listed as questionable. The star left-back is dealing with a groin problem.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Aston Villa have the edge over Leicester at Villa Park. They have won four of the last six H2H competitive matches here.
  • Plus, Villa can offer a strong challenge in the first half. They have been losing at half time just once in their seven home games this season. 
  • Leicester have failed to score in only five of their last 34 Premier League away games.
  • Leicester are one of two teams that own a perfect record over the last five Premier League matchdays. The other one is Liverpool.
  • Over the last five matches, Villa have posted a W1, D1, L3 record. They have conceded over 1.5 goals in four of those matches.

Conclusion

Aston Villa have transformed Villa Park into a fortress, and there is no question they will make things tough for Leicester. However, The Foxes will prove to be too much for the hosts. Expect Leicester to secure another win here, as they will keep the pressure on Liverpool.

Verdict: Leicester to win – yes

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: 888sport

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Juan Pablo Aravena


A freelance writer and sports analyst with almost five years of experience in the industry before joining SoccerNews, Juan Pablo Aravena is based in Chile and currently contributes to several publications and websites including SoccerNews, 12up, and Sports From The Basement, while also working as a fantasy beat writer for RotoWire, as a database editor for EA Sports, and as a football analyst for SmartOdds and InsideFutbol. His areas of focus are Serie A, Bundesliga, Premier League, LaLiga, and Ligue 1, but he has also written about MLS and South American football in the past.

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