Two in-form sides meet at Elland Road for an intriguing Saturday teatime clash
Garry Monk’s promising start to life in the Leeds dugout is enabling their long-suffering fans to dream again.
Tuesday’s trip to Anfield may have ended in defeat but, on a night that reminded Leeds fans of years gone by, United more than held their own and put in a creditable performance to follow up last weekend’s win at Rotherham which saw them climb to fifth.
Leeds United’s Souleymane Doukara scores the second goal against Rotherham
There were fears that Saturday’s visitors, Aston Villa, may ‘do a Leeds’ and drop down the divisions after their nightmare start under Roberto di Matteo.
Steve Bruce has steadied the ship, however, and Villa have embarked upon a seven match unbeaten run under the 55-year-old that sees them enter the weekend in the top half.
Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia celebrates scoring their second goal
The Key Battle – Kemar Roofe vs Alan Hutton
Roofe put in arguably his best performance in a Leeds shirt at Anfield, and will be hoping for a similar display against the tough tackling Hutton at the weekend.
Leeds’ Kemar Roofe shoots at goal
Last Meeting:
Goals from Juan Pablo Angel and Ronny Johnsen saw Villa run out 2-0 winners when these two teams last met, which was in the Premier League in February 2004.
New England manager Gareth Southgate scored for the visitors in their last win at Elland Road, which came 16 years ago this month.
Leeds take on Aston Villa in 2003
Recent form – most recent last:
Leeds – DWWWLW
Aston Villa – WWDWDW
Who’s the ref?
Peter Bankes will oversee Saturday’s match.
He has shown seven red cards in his 16 games to date, and has also taken charge of both of these sides; Bankes had the whistle for Villa’s defeat at Preston and Leeds’ draw with Wigan in October.
Elland Road
What time is kick off?
The match starts at 5.30pm.
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports 1 are showing this one, with build-up getting underway at 5.15pm.
Odds
Leeds – 8/5
Draw – 9/4
Aston Villa – 7/4
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