Leicester vs Aston Villa prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2024-08-30 14:00.
[p]After performing well on matchday one to steal a point on home soil from Tottenham, Leicester City failed to back up that result during their first away day of the campaign as they were ultimately beaten 2-1 by Fulham. Defender Wout Faes netted the Foxes’ equaliser in that outing but he’s since stole the headlines for all the wrong reasons after reportedly demanding a transfer after the club’s poor recruitment this summer. [/p]
[p]That could cause Leicester extra problems, as even with the Belgian centre back in the side for much of the time, they’ve still kept just one clean sheet across their last 25 Premier League matches. Now manager Steve Cooper will have to prove his worth and get his side motivated for this latest fixture against Aston Villa, or he could become the first Leicester manager since Paulo Sousa in August 2010 to fail to win any of his first three league matches in charge of the club. [/p]
[p]Unai Emery’s Villa side arrive here on the back of their own defeat last weekend though, as they fell 2-0 to Arsenal at Villa Park despite enjoying a raft of goalscoring opportunities. A return to the road could come at the perfect time to revive their winning form at least, as they look to make it two away wins from two after defeating West Ham 2-1 on the opening day. [/p]
[p]In fact, since Emery took charge of the Villans, only Arsenal and Manchester City have gained more Premier League victories on the road than his side, but further defensive improvements could be needed here to add to that tally. That’s because the visitors have now failed to keep a clean sheet in seven straight league matches – their worst streak since December 2023! [/p]
[p]Players to watch: With little attacking depth at their disposal, Leicester will be hoping that new signing Jordan Ayew can net again just like he did in midweek cup action, especially as 35 of his last 37 scoring matches have seen his club side avoid defeat on the day (W26, D9, L2). Meanwhile, Aston Villa will hope that Ollie Watkins can break his seven league game scoring duck, which could be likely as he’s scored in his last two H2Hs against the Foxes. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Six of Leicester’s last eight league games have witnessed both sides score, with four finishing 2-1 either way.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Nathan Evans[/i][/p]