Premier League preview: Leicester travel to Aston Villa

Two of the Premier League’s lowest scorers meet on Super Sunday when Aston Villa entertain Leicester, with both searching for improvements in front of goal.

Villa have found the net just eight times in their 14 games this season but come into this game high on confidence after getting a huge 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
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The positive result coincided with the return of key striker Christian Benteke, whose fabulous individual goal at Selhurst Park lifted Villa into 12th place in the Premier League.

How Leicester could do with a player of the calibre of the big Belgian. Nigel Pearson’s men are in a horrendous run of form, losing eight of their last nine games and scoring just five goals in that period since beating Manchester United 5-3 in September.

Pearson’s frustrations were clear to see in Tuesday’s 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool as he had a public disagreement with a home fan sitting in the stands at the King Power Stadium and has told supporters to stay at home if they are not prepared to back the team and show their support for the club.

Jamie Redknapp previews Aston Villa v Leicester

Team news

Villa's Joe Cole has been ruled out for around two weeks with a hamstring injury, picked up in Tuesday's win over Crystal Palace. England midfielder Fabian Delph returned to training on Friday as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder but along with Ron Vlaar, Philippe Senderos and Nathan Baker, he remains unavailable.

Leicester captain Wes Morgan is suspended after being sent off against Liverpool in midweek. David Nugent is a doubt with illness which has affected some of the squad but Pearson, who did not name the others who were laid low, hopes any bug would have cleared by Sunday.

Christian Benteke celebrates after scoring against Crystal Palace in midweek

Merson’s prediction

“I think Leicester are struggling at the moment and they need a bit of good luck and they haven’t had any. Esteban Cambiasso missed an absolute open goal the other day – it was unbelievable. Benteke is back for Villa and they’ve just had a great result.”

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

Paul Lambert has ruled out selling Christian Benteke in the January transfer window

Opta Stats

Leicester City have scored in each of their last nine league trips to Villa Park to play Aston Villa, but they have also conceded in eight of these games.

Christian Benteke’s goal against Crystal Palace was his first in the Premier League since March (versus Stoke).

Nigel Pearson has refused to apologise to a Leicester fan after their heated exchange this week

Aston Villa are the only side yet to see a single substitute score or assist a Premier League goal for them this season.

Betting

Aston Villa are considered 6/5 favourites after ending their winless run midweek, with Leicester 23/10 to record a first win in 10. The Foxes have conceded three goals in each of their last two games and are 7/1 to do so again on Super Sunday, while Christian Benteke is considered the favourite in the first goalscorer betting at 5/1. Leonardo Ulloa played a part in Leicester’s opener in midweek and is considered the visitors’ biggest goal threat at 6/1 to score first.