On August 31, 2024, Leicester City will host Aston Villa at the King Power Stadium in an eagerly anticipated Premier League clash.
After a mixed start to the season for both teams, they will be looking to secure vital points as they navigate through the early weeks of the campaign.
Aston Villa aims to bounce back from a recent defeat, while Leicester City seeks to find their footing following a challenging start.
Match Preview
Leicester City began their Premier League season with a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, showcasing their resilience by clawing back to earn a point.
However, their next outing did not go as planned, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
This trend of conceding first and battling from behind has become a growing concern for Leicester, as they were unable to replicate their comeback success against Spurs in the match against Fulham.
With a need to secure points to ensure their safety in the league, Leicester will be determined to perform well against Aston Villa.
Aston Villa, under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, started the season positively with a 2-1 victory over West Ham but faltered in their second match, suffering a 2-0 loss to Arsenal.
Despite creating several scoring opportunities against the Gunners, Villa failed to convert and will be eager to rectify their finishing woes as they travel to face Leicester.
The last time these two teams met in the league, the away side won both fixtures, further raising the stakes for this encounter.
Head to Head
Historically, Aston Villa has enjoyed the upper hand in their encounters with Leicester City, winning three of the last six meetings across all competitions.
Leicester has managed two victories and one draw during this stretch, indicating a competitive rivalry.
Notably, both teams’ performances in the previous season saw the away side triumph in both matches, adding another layer of intrigue to this fixture.
Team News
For Leicester City, manager Steve Cooper is faced with some decisions regarding the starting lineup.
Jamie Vardy continues to lead the attack but has struggled to complete matches, raising questions about his fitness.
New signing Jordan Ayew, who joined from Crystal Palace, made an appearance off the bench against Fulham and may be considered for a starting role in this match.
Leicester’s defense has shown promise this season, although the attack needs improvement to enhance their scoring capabilities.
On the Aston Villa side, Unai Emery must assess the form of striker Ollie Watkins, who missed clear chances against Arsenal.
Jhon Duran, who scored the winner against West Ham, may also be featured prominently in the attack.
The Villains utilized a 4-4-2 formation against Arsenal, and Emery will need to find the right balance between supporting the forwards and solidifying the midfield as they prepare for this crucial match.
Prediction
While Leicester City has displayed solid defensive play this season, their struggles in attack could present opportunities for Aston Villa to capitalize on.
Given Villa’s quality and their need to secure a positive result after their recent setback, we predict that Aston Villa will emerge victorious in this match.
- Score Prediction: Leicester City 1-2 Aston Villa
Betting Tips
Aston Villa to Win: Betting on Villa to secure a victory is a prudent choice given their quality and Leicester’s inconsistent form.
Both Teams to Score – Yes: With both teams capable of finding the back of the net, this bet is likely to yield favorable results.
Over 2.5 Goals: Given the attacking potential of both sides and Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities, placing a bet on over 2.5 total goals is advisable.
Jordan Ayew to Score Anytime: If Ayew starts, betting on him to score could provide good odds, especially as he looks to make an impact after his recent transfer.