Aston Villa vs Leicester City: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Aston Villa hosts Leicester City at Villa Park this Saturday in a Premier League clash that sees both teams desperate for a win. Villa is aiming to maintain their strong home form and bounce back from recent inconsistencies, while Leicester is in search of answers to a dismal run under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

This matchup has significant implications for both sides. Villa seeks to solidify their Champions League aspirations, while Leicester needs a turnaround to avoid slipping deeper into trouble. Here’s an in-depth look at the game.

Match Overview

Aston Villa’s Mixed Form

Aston Villa has been a formidable force at home this season, remaining unbeaten in league action at Villa Park since August. However, their recent form has been patchy, with only one win in their last four matches across all competitions. A hard-fought 2-2 draw against Brighton in their previous outing showcased their resilience but also highlighted defensive vulnerabilities.

Unai Emery’s side sits in a favorable position in the league but needs consistency to maintain their push for a Champions League spot.

Leicester’s Struggles Under Van Nistelrooy

Leicester City’s fortunes have nosedived since Ruud van Nistelrooy’s early success. The Foxes have won just once since October and ended 2024 with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City. Defensive frailties have been their Achilles’ heel, conceding 14 goals in their last five matches.

Despite these challenges, Leicester remains hopeful of a resurgence, but a daunting trip to Villa Park may not be the ideal setting for recovery.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa

Villa will be without Jhon Duran, who is serving the second game of his suspension, and Morgan Rogers, sidelined due to a one-game ban. Additionally, Pau Torres’ injury means Tyrone Mings is likely to return to the starting lineup.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Bailey, McGinn, Ramsey; Watkins.

Leicester City

Leicester welcomes back Jordan Ayew, who has served his one-match ban, and there is optimism that Wout Faes might feature after recovering from injury. However, the Foxes remain without Ricardo Pereira, Wilfred Ndidi, Abdul Fatawu, and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Stolarczyk; Justin, Coady, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Soumare, Winks; Buonanotte, El Khannouss, Ayew; Vardy.

Key Players to Watch

Aston Villa

• Ollie Watkins: Villa’s talismanic forward has been in fine form, contributing crucial goals and assists. His ability to exploit Leicester’s defensive weaknesses will be pivotal.
• John McGinn: The Scottish midfielder’s energy and leadership are vital in both attack and defense.
• Tyrone Mings: Returning to the starting lineup, Mings’ defensive presence will be critical in containing Leicester’s attacking threats.

Leicester City

• Jamie Vardy: The veteran striker remains Leicester’s most potent goal threat. His experience and movement in the box could trouble Villa’s backline.
• Jordan Ayew: Back from suspension, Ayew’s pace and creativity on the wing could provide Leicester with a much-needed spark.
• Boubakary Soumare: The midfielder’s ability to break up play and transition the ball forward will be crucial in Leicester’s bid to control the game.

Tactical Analysis

Aston Villa’s Approach

Unai Emery’s Villa thrives on a structured and disciplined style of play. They will look to dominate possession and create chances through intricate passing and wide play. With Watkins leading the line, Villa will aim to exploit Leicester’s defensive lapses and capitalize on set-piece opportunities.

Leicester’s Strategy

Leicester is likely to adopt a counterattacking approach, focusing on quick transitions to catch Villa off guard. Ayew and Vardy will be key in leading the break, while the midfield duo of Soumare and Winks will need to provide defensive stability and creativity.

Head-to-Head Record

• Last Five Matches: Aston Villa 3 wins, Leicester 1 win, 1 draw.
• Most Recent Meeting: Aston Villa defeated Leicester 2-1 at the King Power Stadium on August 31, 2024.

Current Form

Aston Villa (Last Five Matches)

• Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton (December 30, 2024)
• Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa (December 26, 2024)
• Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester City (December 21, 2024)
• Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa (December 14, 2024)
• RB Leipzig 2-3 Aston Villa (December 10, 2024)

Leicester City (Last Five Matches)

• Leicester 0-2 Manchester City (December 29, 2024)
• Liverpool 3-1 Leicester (December 26, 2024)
• Leicester 0-3 Wolves (December 22, 2024)
• Newcastle 4-0 Leicester (December 14, 2024)
• Leicester 2-2 Brighton (December 8, 2024)

Prediction: Aston Villa 3-0 Leicester

Aston Villa’s imperious home form gives them a significant advantage in this fixture. Leicester’s defensive issues and lack of confidence make them vulnerable against a Villa side eager to get back to winning ways. Ollie Watkins and John McGinn are likely to shine, securing a comprehensive 3-0 victory for the hosts.

FAQs

1. What time does Aston Villa vs. Leicester kick off?
   The match kicks off at 3:00 PM GMT / 10:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM PT on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
2. Where is the match being played?
   The game will take place at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
3. Who are the key players for Aston Villa?
   Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and Tyrone Mings are expected to play pivotal roles for Villa.
4. What is Leicester’s recent form?
   Leicester has struggled recently, with four losses and one draw in their last five matches.
5. What is the predicted score?
   Aston Villa 3-0 Leicester, with Villa’s home advantage and attacking quality likely to make the difference.