Prediction: Leicester vs Aston Villa

Verdict: Aston Villa win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Saturday afternoon, Aston Villa will travel to the King Power when they meet Leicester.

Leicester

Starting with the hosts, while Leicester might have stormed their way to an immediate Premier League return, the Foxes appear to have a real battle on their hands in this time around. With serious sanctions still looming, many have tipped Steve Cooper’s new squad as a leading relegation contender this year. Although the former Nottingham Forest boss might have seen his squad open up the 2024/25 campaign with a 1-1 stalemate at home against Tottenham, the Blues came crashing back down to earth last weekend. Eventually falling to a 2-1 loss away at Fulham, Leicester should also be concerned by their most recent meeting against Saturday’s guests. Hit with a 2-1 defeat when they welcomed Aston Villa to the King Power back in April 2023, Cooper’s men should be bracing themselves for another tricky test this weekend.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Leicester will once again be without the trio to Luke Thomas, Conor Coady and Patson Daka this weekend. Finding the net against Tranmere earlier in the week while in EFL Cup action, former Crystal Palace Jordan Ayew could make a first Premier League start here.

Opening his top-flight account against Tottenham on August 19th, Jamie Vardy will lead Cooper’s charge on Saturday afternoon. Arriving from Tottenham this summer, Oliver Skipp could start at the heart of Leicester’s midfield.

Aston Villa

As for the visitors, while Aston Villa might have missed out on the chance to make a heavyweight upset last weekend as they fell to a 2-0 loss at home against Arsenal, Unai Emery’s men should be smelling the chance to claim an immediate response here. Opening the 2024/25 campaign with an eye-catching 2-1 victory away at West Ham, Saturday’s guests have their sights firmly set on mounting another top-four charge this time around. With a famous Champions League return on the horizon, Villa will now be hoping to find some defensive resolve. Continuing on from last season, Emery’s side have failed to record a single clean sheet in any of their previous 10 competitive appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to April 14th.

Team News

Limping off against Arsenal last weekend after suffering a first-half knock, Poland international Matty Cash is not expected to feature at the King Power. Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, the duo of Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamar will not travel to Leicester on Saturday afternoon.

Although attacking talisman Ollie Watkins might still be waiting to open his Premier League account, the ex-Brentford striker will lead Emery’s attack here. Signing a new deal at Villa Park earlier in the month, Emiliano Martinez will start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Leicester and Aston Villa last met back in April 2023, the Villains collected a 2-1 victory at the King Power.
• Villa have lost just one of their previous five trips to the King Power.
• However, Emery’s side have failed to record a single clean sheet from any of their previous 10 competitive appearances continuing on from last season.
• Four of the last five meetings between Leicester and Aston Villa have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Likewise, six of the previous eight meetings between Saturday’s opponents have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Saturday afternoon, Aston Villa should be relishing a trip to the King Power this weekend. Opening proceedings with a 2-1 victory away at West Ham on August 17th, Emery’s side should also be excited by their most recent trip to Leicester. Landing a 2-1 win when they travelled the Premier League returners in April 2023, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Aston Villa win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: Luckster