The Dugout Discussion – Aston Villa vs Leicester City

Saturday’s Premier League action culminates in Aston Villa’s home clash against Leicester City. Having recorded just their second win of the campaign last Gameweek, the Villains will be desperate to generate some momentum and stymie the visitors’ unlikely title charge. The Foxes, meanwhile, are fresh from a 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.

Leicester’s win at White Hart Lane marked the first time they’d scored in four outings, meaning that Crystal Palace (zero) are the only club that’s tallied fewer goals than them since Gameweek 18. Moreover, only three teams chalked up fewer shots on target (11) than Claudio Ranieri’s squad during that period. On a more positive note, Leicester allowed the fewest goals (one) and scooped the most clean sheets (three), illustrating a newfound diligence at the back.

Notwithstanding their lacklustre goal-haul (three) over the previous four Gameweeks, Villa charted in the top half with regards to shots on target (16) and fourth for shot accuracy (38.1%). That being said, they were the only side who failed to register a solitary big chance, illuminating their paucity of creative flair. On the defensive front, the West Midlanders were effective at limiting their opponents’ influence, conceding the second-fewest shots inside the box (21) and joint-fourth-fewest big chances (four).