Leeds United and Aston Villa square off on Friday evening.
Having recovered from an ill-timed broken foot, Leeds United forward Caleb Ekuban has quickly set about proving his worth and, based on his performance against Barnsley last weekend it would be no surprise if he started Friday’s clash with Aston Villa.
Ekuban is everything fellow Leeds striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga is not – energetic, ready to work for the team and full of movement – and that could ensure Villa defender Chris Samba has a torrid night at Elland Road.
The latter has stepped in for Villa following John Terry’s injury, and thus far he has impressed, but he could have his toughest test to date this season with Leeds possessing some of the best attacking talent in the second tier.
Ezgjan Alioski and Samu Saiz will keep Villa’s back-line very busy with their own pace and trickery but it could be Ekuban who ensured Samba knows he has been in a match come the final whistle.
At 33, the Villa defender is approaching the twilight of his career, and he has never been known for his pace. So Ekuban should use all his guile and energy to make space for his Leeds teammates.
It should be a very interesting tussle and if Ekuban gets the better of it, Leeds could well add another three points to their tally just when they need to build up a head of steam.
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