After Norwich moved back top with victory over Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United visit Aston Villa knowing only victory will return them top for Xmas.
Villa meanwhile can move closer towards the Play-Off spots if they take all three points, which would leave them just two points behind sixth-placed Sheffield United.
Team news
Aston Villa’s Christmas looks set to come early with midfield trio of Albert Adomah (ankle), Birkir Bjarnason (groin) and Henri Lansbury (hamstring) all fit for this match.
Fellow midfielder, Mile Jedinak is also available to start but Jack Grealish is a doubt as he struggles to shake off a shin issue.
Defenders, Neil Taylor (hamstring) and James Bree are both unavailable.
Leeds could have right-back, Luke Ayling back from a knee injury for first time since October.
On loan midfielder, Izzy Brown however is ruled out after a hamstring injury set back his recovery.
Liam Cooper (knee), Gaetano Berardi (hamstring) and Stuart Dallas (foot) are also absent, whilst Samuel Saiz is preparing for his January loan move to Getafe.
Form
Aston Villa come into this game off the back of just one win in their last four but are unbeaten in their last seven.
At home during this run, Villa have kept just one clean sheet which came against Bolton Wanderers whilst scoring ten and conceding nine from their three home matches since that clean sheet.
Leeds meanwhile have won their last five games, keeping four clean sheets in that period with their only conceded goal coming against QPR.
On their travels, the Whites have taken three wins from their last five with Pablo Hernandez scoring in three of those games.
Stat Attack
- Aston Villa have avoided defeat in four of last five meetings with Leeds (W2, D2, L1). Both draws finished 1-1.
- Leeds’ last away win at Villa Park came in April 2002 in Premier League, winning and drawing two apiece from four meetings since then.
- Both teams have already netted 21 goals each so far this season in the league, which is more than any other team.
Prediction
Given Villa’s habit of conceding at least twice in recent home games, this should be a fun goal filled match.
Leeds however have won by one goal margins in their last four outings, and considering Villa’s strong home scoring form, I am going for an away win but will be a dramatic game.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-3 Leeds United
Result: Aston Villa 2-3 Leeds United