Leicester vs Aston Villa: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s Midlands derby

Paul Lambert (Getty)

Paul Lambert became the most relieved manager in England following the fixture between these two in December when his Aston Villa side finally doubled their home victory tally for the campaign to two.

Two victories in the space of five days after a 1-0 win at relegation rivals Crystal Palace had appeared to have turned the table for Lambert, however the narrow win against Leicester City is their last in the Premier League.

Despite a significantly weaker position in the table, Nigel Pearson’s currently rock bottom Foxes are finally themselves on the up with some deserved luck in results and the recent addition of Mark Schwarzer, who’s expected to fill in for the injured Kasper Schmeichel.

After a six game losing streak in the league, four points from a possible six in two away games could be crowned this Saturday with a first home win in the league since the incredible stormer against Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United in October.

Both sides remain in the FA Cup after 1-0 wins at home for each in the 3rd round this weekend, but a combination of eight league wins for the two Midland rivals explains their current predicaments. This game isn’t just a six pointer – whichever manager leaves pointless will be sitting on the brink.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Aston Villa 2 (Clark, Hutton) Leicester City 1 (Ulloa), Premier League, December 2014

Aston Villa 0 Leicester City 1 (Fryatt), League Cup, September 2007

Leicester City 2 (Stearman, Kisnorbo) Aston Villa 3 (Angel, Barry, Agbonlahor) aet, League Cup, October 2006

STATS…

Leicester went on a six game losing streak in the league, including defeat at Villa, before their last two games.

Aston Villa have more away wins in the league this season than at Villa Park, but have only notched a pitiful four goals on their travels.

The Foxes have won just one of the last eight league meetings between the two sides.

Villa have scored 10 goals in their last three visits in all competitions to the King Power Stadium.

Paul Lambert’s side have netted just twice in their last six games in all competitions, and picked up three red cards in the same period, with Agbonlahor’s later rescinded.

Leicester have won more than half of their games played at home against Villa in their history, winning 23 of 43 played, and one more goal will tally 100 vs their rivals at home.

ODDS…

Leicester City to win: 2.25

Aston Villa to win: 3.9

Draw: 3.3

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm