Aston Villa v Leicester predictions: Gerrard to teach old master a lesson

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Aston Villa v Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Premier League, 4.30pm Sunday

Best bet

Aston Villa
1pt 29-20 Betfair

Team news

Aston Villa
Leon Bailey has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury, while Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet remain unavailable. Danny Ings and Matt Targett face late fitness tests.

Leicester
Brendan Rodgers will be without Youri Tielemans, Wesley Fofana, Ricardo Pereira, Ryan Bertrand and James Justin.

Match preview

Seven years, seven months and eight days have passed since Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip proved a hammer blow for his and Brendan Rodgers’ hopes of winning the Premier League title, but it could be Leicester boss Rodgers who is left on his haunches after the two meet as opposing managers at Villa Park on Sunday.

Since Gerrard lost his footing against Chelsea there has been a certain symmetry to the careers of both men. Rodgers and Gerrard moved to either side of the Old Firm divide, where they became the only managers since the 19th century to win a Scottish league title without losing a game.

Now back in the Premier League, just 32 miles separate the pair after Gerrard took the reins at Aston Villa last month.

The Villans have enjoyed a strong start under Gerrard, beating Brighton and Crystal Palace before they were edged out 2-1 by champions Manchester City. That game was level on expected goals, with a moment of brilliance from Bernardo Silva settling matters.

Gerrard has quickly settled on a favoured formation - something predecessor Dean Smith struggled to do - and Villa have looked much more threatening in a 4-3-3 with a narrow attacking trio.

The former Liverpool talisman seems to be getting the best out of John McGinn, who has been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award for November.

Gerrard’s Rangers team were known for their defensive solidity and Villa have kept their opponents to an expected-goals figure of below one in all three of his games in charge.

The same cannot be said for Sunday's visitors Leicester. Only Norwich, Watford and Newcastle have conceded more goals than Leicester this term as they have struggled at the back without defensive lynchpin Wesley Fofana.

The Foxes did show resolve to twice come from behind to claim a point against Southampton in midweek, but their last league clean sheet came on the opening day of the season and they have kept just two in 21 games in all competitions.

Youri Tielemans's injury has been a big blow and players such as Timothy Castagne and Caglar Soyuncu, who were key parts of their success in 2020-21, have not hit the heights they did last term.

Jamie Vardy has returned to form after a mediocre campaign by his high standards last season, but his nine strikes account for almost half of the Foxes' overall goal tally.

Rodgers and Gerrard met twice in Glasgow with both earning one 1-0 win apiece, but Gerrard’s resurgent Villa side could tip the balance in his favour on Sunday.

Key stat

Leicester have kept two clean sheets in 21 games in all competitions.

Inside info

Aston Villa

Penalty taker Anwar El Ghazi
Free-kick wizardEmi Buendia
Set-piece aerial threatTyrone Mings
Card magnetJohn McGinn

Leicester

Penalty taker Jamie Vardy
Free-kick wizard James Maddison
Set-piece aerial threat Jonny Evans
Card magnet Caglar Soyuncu

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