Relegation-threatened Leicester City are all set to host Aston Villa in the Premier League as they look to jump out of the drop zone.
Leicester City won the 2015/16 Premier League season in what was considered one of the greatest seasons. But, post that, things have slowly gone downhill, and the Foxes are on the verge been relegated if they fail to turn things around. Leicester are all set to square up against mid-table Aston Villa in search of all important three points.
The hosts are currently 19th in the league, with 25 points out of their 28 matches. They have hardly had any clue whatsoever and survival looks really difficult at this point in time. While a win against Villa could bring them out of the drop zone, their recent form suggests that it is unlikely.
The Foxes haven’t won any of their last six Premier League fixtures. Out of their last five matches in the league, all they have managed is a point. And, they are heading into this fixture on the back of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace. A positive result is a must for the Foxes, who recently parted ways with Brendan Rodgers.
Leicester City Football Club has reached a mutual agreement with Brendan Rodgers that will see him leave the Club after four years as our Men’s First Team Manager.
— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 2, 2023
Unai Emery took charge of Aston Villa in November last year, and at that point in time they were in the relegation battle. Villa were 15th in the league, but things have improved since Emery’s arrival. They are currently ninth, 15 points clear of the drop zone.
Emery’s team have been unbeaten in their last five league fixtures. They have accumulated 13 points out of a possible 15 and would look to continue that run when they square up against the Foxes. Villa head into this fixture on the back of a 2-0 win over Chelsea. And, they will be confident of getting the job done against an outfit that haven’t won in their last 6 outings.
However, in the reverse fixture, Leicester thrashed Emery’s men at will in a 4-2 win at Villa Park. And, they will hope to produce something similar this time around at home. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at this fixture and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Leicester City
Leicester City have a few injuries to deal with as Youri Tielemans, James Justin and Ryan Bertrand are unavailable for this fixture. But, they might have a boost, as Dennis Praet and Jonny Evans are expected to be back for this fixture.
Backing the boys on Filbert Way 🔵#LEIAVL pic.twitter.com/brDYirV7EM
— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 3, 2023
Leicester are expected to start with the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Daniel Iversen will start in goal. Meanwhile, Ricardo Pereira and Timothy Castagne will continue as the full-backs. Wout Faes and Daniel Amartey will be at the centre of the defence.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will pair up with Boubakary Soumaré in the centre of the park as the double pivots. Harvey Barnes and Tete should start out wide, and James Maddison will once again start as the attacking midfielder.
Maddison will look to be the creative force in the middle of the park and look to supply his wingers as well as link up with frontman Kelechi Iheanacho.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Iversen; Pereira, Amartey, Faes, Castagne; Soumare, Dewsbury-Hall; Tete, Maddison, Barnes; Iheanacho
Aston Villa
As far as the visitors are concerned, Matty Cash, Philippe Coutinho and Jed Steer remain out of contention. Apart from the trio, Unai Emery should have everyone else at his disposal for this away trip.
Unai Emery: "We are going to be very demanding to try and get three points, and to do better on Tuesday." 👊
🔜 #LEIAVL pic.twitter.com/LTtUS6Pehr
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 3, 2023
The Spanish manager is expected to start with the 4-4-2 formation, with Emiliano Martinez in goal. Matty Cash and Alex Moreno could be the full-backs as Villa look to avenge their 4-2 loss against the Foxes at home a few months back.
Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings will pair up in the centre of the defence. Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn should start out wide in the midfield four, while Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara who returned from injury in their last outing will start in central midfield roles. The front two will comprise Argentine Emiliano Buendia alongside striker Ollie Watkins.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Moreno; Ramsey, Kamara, Luiz, McGinn; Buendia, Watkins
Key Stats
- Leicester City have won 45 out of their 107 fixtures against Aston Villa. The visitors have only won on 36 occasions.
- The Foxes have an opportunity to complete their third double over Aston Villa in the Premier League.
- Aston Villa have won only two out of their last 13 away matches in the Premier League against Leicester City.
- The Foxes have failed to score in their last two Premier League home games against Aston Villa.
- In their last five fixtures, Villa have managed to accumulate 13 points out of a possible 15. Only Arsenal have done better than Emery’s men. The Gunners have a perfect record.
Player to Watch
Ollie Watkins
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The England international has 16 goal contributions in his 30 outings in all competitions this season. The 27-year-old has had a decent overall season and would love to add to it when he squares up against the Foxes.
Out of his 16 goal involvements, 15 have come in the English top flight, and Unai Emery will once again depend on him to get the job done against the relegation-threatened outfit in Leicester.
Prediction
Leicester City 3-2 Aston Villa
The reverse fixture between the two teams saw six goals being scored. Something similar is expected from this fixture given the quality of attackers on display. While recent form suggests that Villa should walk all over the Foxes in this fixture, there might be an upset around the corner.
Leicester have a great opportunity of completing their third double over Villa in the Premier League and despite their recent struggles, they might be confident of a positive result. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-2 win for the home team.
