Top-ten chasing Aston Villa host relegation battling Leicester City in a huge Midlands derby.
Victory could see Villa climb into the top ten of the table, whilst Leicester can go 13th with a win because Forest aren’t in action until Sunday.
Team News
Aston Villa could welcome John McGinn back into contention after he missed their last four matches with a hamstring injury – including their win at Southampton a fortnight ago.
Lucas Digne (shoulder) could also make his return to first-team action.
New signing, Jhon Duran could make his debut after signing for Villa nearly two weeks ago from Chicago Fire.
Jed Steer (Achilles), Diego Carlos (Achilles) and Bertrand Traore (knee) remain absent.
Leicester could be without striker, Jamie Vardy after he missed their FA Cup win at Walsall with a glute injury.
New signing, Harry Souttar is a doubt with a hip injury.
James Justin, Ricardo Pereira (both Achilles), Jonny Evans (calf), Wilfried Ndidi (muscle), Boubakary Soumare (hamstring) and Ryan Bertrand (knee) all remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Villa host Leicester in a 3pm GMT kick-off at Villa Park on Saturday 4 February, albeit untelevised in UK.
Stat Attack
- Aston Villa are unbeaten in three of their last five meetings against Leicester (W2, D1, L2).
- Leicester are unbeaten in three of their last five visits to Villa Park (W2, D1, L2).
- In 106 previous meetings between Villa and Leicester in all competitions, there has never been consecutive goalless draws.
- Ollie Watkins has been involved in more goals than any other Villa player this season, with four goals and assists apiece in 22 appearances across all competitions.
- James Maddison has been involved in 11 goals for Leicester this season, in which he has produced seven goals and four assists across 16 appearances in all competitions.
Prediction
Having had a fortnight off since clinical wins against Leeds and Southampton in the preceding fortnight, I expect Villa to be fresh and ready for this Midlands derby because a win could do their top-ten dreams some real good given how competitive their section of the table looks.
Leicester meanwhile were absolutely dominant at Walsall yet just seemed to lack end product except for a lucky goal – which had been their biggest issue for much of January, yet they can take heart from their fighting spirit to hold Brighton in their last league game.
Brendan Rogers’ Foxes therefore will have to be at their best because if they continue to waste chances, I can see Villa punishing them in what should be a tightly fought contest.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-0 Leicester
Result: Aston Villa 2-4 Leicester
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