Leicester vs Aston Villa Preview
- Draw or Villa win
- Watkins to score
Introduction: A Crucial Clash at the King Power Stadium
As Leicester City prepare to host Aston Villa, both teams will be eager to bounce back from recent disappointments and secure crucial points.
The Foxes look to regain form after a shaky start to their Premier League campaign, while Aston Villa aim to continue their strong away form under Unai Emery.
This match promises to be a significant test for both sides as they seek to establish momentum early in the season.
Leicester City’s Struggles: A Test of Character
Leicester City started the season on a positive note, securing a point at home against Tottenham, but their momentum faltered with a 2-1 defeat to Fulham in their first away game.
Defender Wout Faes scored the Foxes’ equaliser in that match, but his demand for a transfer due to dissatisfaction with the club’s summer recruitment has cast a shadow over the team.
This internal turmoil comes at a challenging time for Leicester, as their defensive frailties have been laid bare.
The Foxes have kept just one clean sheet in their last 25 Premier League matches, a worrying trend that manager Steve Cooper will need to address urgently.
Cooper, who is under increasing pressure, could become the first Leicester manager since Paulo Sousa in August 2010 to fail to win any of his first three league matches in charge if his side doesn’t secure a victory against Aston Villa.
Aston Villa’s Away Form: A Key to Success
Aston Villa come into this match after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at Villa Park, despite creating several goalscoring opportunities.
However, their form on the road has been impressive under Unai Emery, with Villa looking to secure their second away win of the season after defeating West Ham 2-1 on the opening day.
Since Emery took the helm, Aston Villa has been one of the most formidable teams on the road in the Premier League, with only Arsenal and Manchester City recording more away victories during this period.
However, Villa’s defence has been less reliable of late, failing to keep a clean sheet in seven consecutive league matches, their worst streak since December 2023. Defensive improvements will be crucial if Villa is to continue their success away from home.
Players to Watch: Key Influencers on the Pitch
Jordan Ayew (Leicester City): With limited attacking options, Leicester will be relying heavily on new signing Jordan Ayew.
He found the back of the net in midweek cup action, and his goal-scoring record is impressive; his teams have avoided defeat in 35 of his last 37 scoring matches (W26, D9, L2). Ayew’s contribution could be vital in securing a positive result for the Foxes.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): Aston Villa will look to Ollie Watkins to break his seven-game Premier League goal drought. Watkins has a strong record against Leicester, having scored in his last two head-to-heads (H2Hs) against the Foxes. If he can find his scoring touch again, it could make all the difference for Villa in this encounter.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Match for Both Teams
As Leicester City and Aston Villa face off at the King Power Stadium, the stakes are high for both sides.
Leicester will be desperate to turn their fortunes around and secure their first league win of the season, while Aston Villa aims to maintain their impressive away form under Unai Emery.
With key players like Jordan Ayew and Ollie Watkins in the spotlight, this match is set to be a compelling contest that could shape the trajectory of both teams’ seasons.
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Leicester v Aston Villa, 2024/25 | Premier League