Pressure mounting on Villa in tough trip to ER
Leeds United host Aston Villa as Premier League football returns after the international break, with some pressure beginning to mount on Steven Gerrard in the visitors’ hotseat.
Some injury troubles have gone against Villa at the start of this season, but they have been unable to capitalise on high profile recruitment and quality in glimpses last term.
The Whites have been rejuvenated, process-wise, since the appointment of Jesse Marsch and do not seem to be one of the sides set to compete towards the bottom end, for some very encouraging performances at the start of the campaign.
It will be interesting to see how these two match-up stylistically, with Marsch’s pressing machine set to be a lot to handle at Elland Road.
Process
Leeds have been far more impressive than Villa so far, and they could open up a four-point cushion on the visitors in victory on Sunday.
Leeds have scored ten goals so far, in six outings, from chances equating to 9.7 expected goals (xG) for, at a healthy average of 1.62 xGF per game.
They continue to be good value in following from a neutral perspective, allowing 1.53 xGA per game so far, and the way that they play under Marsch does not suggest that their solidity will improve drastically as the season progresses.
Villa have been creating chances at just 0.94 xGF per game so far this season in the league, considering the attacking talent on display that is a very disappointing number.
They have scored six goals from 6.6 xGF in seven outings so far, but they should be able to create opportunities at Elland Road.
Defensively they have also struggled at times, with the long term injury to Diego Carlos a huge disappointment after significant summer investment.
Goals?
Certainly a potential angle, but value on the hosts jumps off of the page when contemplating a bet for this fixture.
Leeds have scored in six of seven.
Leeds have conceded in six of seven.
Leeds have seen both teams score in five of seven.
Leeds have seen over 2.5 goals in five of seven.
Villa have scored in six of eight.
Villa have conceded in seven of eight.
Villa have seen both teams score in five of eight.
Villa have seen over 2.5 goals in four of eight.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
0-0, a full house of greens this week! We take a half win here.