Leeds United will aim to snap their three-game winless run when they host Aston Villa at Elland Road on Sunday.
After a positive start to the season, the Whites have somewhat lost their way. They were heavily beaten at Brentford in their previous game, and Jesse Marsch—who won’t be in the dugout after his red card against the Bees last month—will hope Elland Road lifts his team against Aston Villa.
The Villans, on the other hand, have been underwhelming this term. They bounced back to winning ways last time out against Southampton; nonetheless, Steven Gerrard must go on a winning streak to quell his critics.
That said, let us take a look at 3 key battles that could determine the outcome of the game between Leeds United and Aston Villa.
#Jack Harrison vs Ashley Young
Jack Harrison is a crucial player in Jesse Marsch’s system at Leeds United. The wide forward brings energy, intensity and pace to the team’s press and dynamism while in transitions. His dribbling, link-up play and work ethic will all be necessary to secure a victory.
As Harrison is a certainty to start on the left flank, Ashley Young will have the duty of stopping him. In Matty Cash’s injury absence, Young has deputised well at right-back and delivered a couple of strong displays. Age certainly seems to be catching up with him but the ex-England international uses all his experience and expertise while defending.
Thus, the duel between Harrison and Young will be one to keep an eye on.
#Philippe Coutinho vs Tyler Adams
Philippe Coutinho is arguably Aston Villa’s best player, and he will be keen to make a mark against Leeds United on Sunday.
Every touch he makes, along with his incisive passes that carve open the opposition defence, will add fluidity to Villa’s attacks. The Brazilian playmaker will be one to watch in the game thanks to his intelligence, guile and reading of the game.
To stop Coutinho from influencing Villa’s play in the final third, Jesse Marsch could put Tyler Adams to man mark the Brazilian. Adams is slowly building a partnership with fellow summer signing Marc Roca at the heart of Leeds’ midfield. His ability to snuff out the danger before it explodes will be pivotal.
It will be interesting to watch how Adams stops Coutinho at Elland Road.
#Ollie Watkins vs Robin Koch
Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the Villa attack against Leeds. Watkins has netted just once thus far but the physicality, aggressiveness and power he brings to the Villa attack sets him apart from Danny Ings.
The England international will certainly look forward to challenging the Leeds centre-backs with his pace and directness. The leader of the Leeds defence, Robin Koch will need to step up in order to stop Watkins from making inroads.
If Koch along with Diego Llorente can keep Watkins quiet, the Whites will have a big chance of winning the game.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
