Andy Hinchcliffe has analysed Leeds United v Aston Villa.
Pundit Andy Hinchcliffe has told Sky Sports’ EFL Weekly that he thinks that Leeds United face the biggest challenge of their season so far against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Whites lost 2-0 to Liverpool in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening, but produced a spirited performance at Anfield, not only making the Reds wait until the final 15 minutes to open the scoring, but also causing Jurgen Klopp’s side problems at the other end.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Leeds’ display proved that they deserve their place in the top six in the Championship, and it’s back to league action this weekend as they take on Aston Villa at Elland Road on Saturday evening.
Villa are without defeat in Steve Bruce’s seven games in charge, as last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Cardiff City means it’s four wins and three draws for the new Villa boss.
He will be looking to continue that unbeaten run at Elland Road this weekend, but he comes up against a Leeds side that have lost just once in their last six Championship games and have won four of their last five league outings.
Leeds United huddle up before facing Liverpool
Ahead of the game, pundit Andy Hinchcliffe has spoken to Sky Sports’ EFL Weekly about the fixture, stating that it’s a huge game for both clubs as they chase returns to the Premier League.
Hinchcliffe suggested that he’s surprised that Leeds’ trigger-happy owner Massimo Cellino has allowed manager Garry Monk to get on with his job, but thinks this game is the acid test for fifth-placed Leeds.
The former Manchester City and Everton left back suggested that, with Villa thriving under Bruce, this will be the biggest test for Leeds so far this season – but with Monk calling the shots, Hinchcliffe feels that Leeds not only have a good chance of a win this weekend, but also a great chance of finishing in the play-offs.
Andy Hinchcliffe in action
“It’s a huge game for both clubs,” said Hinchcliffe. “Villa are on the rise, and Leeds have surprised me this season. Not surprised in many ways by the job that Garry Monk has done, but surprised that Massimo Cellino is allowing Garry Monk to get on with the job; that was always what was needed at Leeds. This is the acid test for Leeds really, are they capable enough of challenging all those other sides like Sheffield Wednesday and Derby for a play-off place?”
“A game against Villa, a side that are on the rise, Steve Bruce has made such a sweeping change to the mentality at Villa, this will be the biggest test of Leeds’ season, but with Garry Monk in charge and the owner taking a back seat, they’ve got a very good chance in this game, and a very good chance come the end of the season of finishing in the top six,” he added.
Do you think Leeds will beat Aston Villa this weekend?
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