06 December 2021, 15:53 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Premier League fixture, Aston Villa vs. Leicester City, kicks off at 17:30 (GMT+1) on Sunday, December 5, at Villa Park. Referee Michael Oliver will have the luxury of being in charge of the game for the length of ninety minutes plus stoppage time, while Stuart Burt and Simon Bennett will lend a helping hand. Robert Jones, fourth official, will be in communication from the sidelines, while Paul Tierney will be the VAR.
Preview Aston Villa Premier League, Dec 5, 2021
Preview Steven Gerrard tasted defeat for the first time in the Premier League as manager of Aston Villa in the 2-1 loss to Manchester City earlier in the week. A dummy from Raheem Sterling saw him pick out Ruben Dias (27') for the opener, leaving Villa with a one-goal deficit before the half-hour mark. A moment later, a well-executed counterattack from Manchester City saw Villa beat a hasty retreat before Bernardo Silva (43') pulled the trigger for a remarkable left-footed volley. Minutes after the break, Ollie Watkins (47') reduced the goal deficit. Villa pressed but were unable to find the leveler, having failed to convert several clear-cut chances, with Ederson pulling out a fantastic save to keep City in the lead on one occasion. The defeat leaves Villa with the Premier League form: LLWWL, and in 13th place, having picked up 16 points from 5W, 1D, and 8L. A 4—2—3—1 formation, with Ollie Watkins in attack, is expected from Steven Gerrard for this game against Leicester City. Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet are ruled out, while Danny Ings’ availability remains shrouded in mystery.
Preview Leicester City Premier League, Dec 5, 2021
Preview Leicester City picked up a 2-2 draw in the four-goal thriller against Southampton earlier in the week when both sides met at St. Mary’s Stadium. The Saints got off to an early start with Jan Bednarek (3') giving Southampton the lead inside the first five minutes. Minutes later, Evans (23') restored parity for the Foxes, following up with the rebound after Alex McCarthy came up with a remarkable save. A diving header from Che Adams (34') restored Southampton’s lead in the next moment. Four minutes after the restart, a clever switch from the left foot to the right saw Maddison (49') fire beyond a forest of legs to level the scoreline for the second time. Leicester City remains in 10th place on the Premier League table, with 19 points from 5W, 4D, & 5L. The club has a form that reads: LDLWD ahead of this fixture against Aston Villa, and a win could see the Foxes climb a few steps up the Premier League table. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Jamie Vardy at the top of the shape is expected for this fixture against Villa.