Aston Villa vs Leicester preview: Can Remi Garde's team build on Palace win?

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Villa Park

Aston Villa's players congratulate Joleon Lescott on his goal (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Jordan Veretout: Arriving in the summer from French outfit Nantes for £8m, much was expected of the former France youth international. In a campaign where many have faltered, Veretout played an instrumental part in Villa’s win over Palace on Wednesday as he assisted Joleon Lescott’s winner. Glimpses of Veretout’s ability will put pressure on him to provide the creative spark as the Villans are desperate for players to leave their stamp on the game.

Best stat…

None: Leicester are the only side this season to have failed to score from outside of the box.

Remember when…

Aston Villa trounced Leicester 5-0 at the Walkers Stadium in the 2003/04 season. Braces from Darius Vassell and Peter Crouch as well as a Dion Dublin strike from a tight angle saw off Leicester in one of many miserable evenings that campaign, as the Foxes were relegated.

Player to watch…

Marc Albrighton: Returning to his former stomping ground, Albrighton has been one of the many cogs that has kept Leicester ticking over the course of the season. The tricky winger has gone about his business silently this season, and gave Spurs right back Kyle Walker one of the toughest games he has had this campaign on Wednesday. Perhaps not as glorified as team-mates Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy, Albrighton still plays a pivotal role in Ranieri’s team.

Past three meetings…

Leicester 3 (De Laet, Vardy, Dyer) Aston Villa 2 (Grealish, Gil), Premier League, September 2015

Aston Villa 2 (Bacuna, Sinclair) Leicester 1 (Kramaric), FA Cup, February 2015

Leicester 1 (Konchesky) Aston Villa 0, Premier League, January 2015

Form guide…

Aston Villa: LDDLLW

Leicester: WWLDDW

Vital information…

Sky Sports 1, KO 5:30PM. Highlights shown on MOTD, BBC1, 10:25PM