Observe stay protection as Aston Villa face Leicester Metropolis immediately within the Premier League. One other top-flight season will likely be lined in full proper right here with The Unbiased, as reigning champions Manchester Metropolis look to make it an unprecedented 5 titles in a row come the tip of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will likely be chasing Pep Guardiola’s aspect, however simply as fascinating would be the race for Champions League locations, with extra groups than ever earlier than having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea stay big-spending, Manchester United’s newest rebuild continues and each Tottenham and Newcastle will anticipate enhancements this yr – but it was Aston Villa who snared fourth final time period.
In the meantime, it is Southampton, Leicester Metropolis and Ipswich City who made it again to the elite after promotion final yr and every can have hope they’ll make it greater than a one-year keep. Observe the most recent stay motion from the Premier League beneath:
Aston Villa FC 2 – 1 Leicester Metropolis FC
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
17:11
The total-time whistle sounds as Aston Villa have crushed Leicester Metropolis 2-1 with a decided efficiency at Villa Park. On a cold January afternoon within the West Midlands, it appeared that many at Villa’s historic floor have been sitting on their fingers as a quiet first half dragged by. Nonetheless, within the second interval, issues turned extra full of life as Barkley powered his aspect into the lead within the 58th minute. Leicester did not clear from a nook and Barkley introduced down a header away, earlier than driving the ball into the bottom-left nook beautifully. Leicester reacted brilliantly and restored parity simply six minutes later to mute celebrations. Ayew powered down the best and crossed low for Vardy. He pressured a close-range save from Martinez earlier than Mavididi latched onto the rebound on the left publish and squeezed dwelling with aplomb. After key adjustments from Emery, Villa regained composure and the lead within the 76th minute. Justin’s naivety on the again was punished as substitute Maatsen robbed the ball earlier than sliding again throughout for Bailey to slam previous Stolarczyk. Villa closed out this one to go eighth within the desk, but may’ve made it 3-1 on two events, bumping up their xG to an eventual 1.40. Leicester proceed in nineteenth, and in battling again, exceeded their 0.36 xG. Thanks for becoming a member of us, we hope you loved the sport!
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:57
FULL-TIME: ASTON VILLA 2-1 LEICESTER CITY
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:55
Yellow Card Boubakary Soumaré
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:54
Daka works laborious to win again the ball and play in Mavididi on the left. Nonetheless, the winger’s shot from that aspect is blocked and put out for a throw. Daka’s lengthy throw is then headed clear by the Villans’ defence earlier than Okoli powers one from vary into the stands.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:53
As Okoli slides in De Cordova-Reid and Mings blocks the cross behind for a right-sided nook, the announcement rings out that there will likely be 5 minutes of added time. Martinez rises to Buonanotte’s supply and dives onto the ball for safekeeping.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:49
Substitution Luke Jonathan Thomas Bobby Armani De Cordova-Reid
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:48
Buendia cannot make it three for the goal-hungry Villans! Watkins drives away from Okoli and cuts again to his Argentinian team-mate within the centre. Leaning again, he skies his curling effort!
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:46
HOW’S IT NOT 3-1!? Bailey darts down the best and powers onto the bar through an outstanding tip from Stolarczyk. A Buendia effort is then blocked by Okoli earlier than Watkins fires over from shut vary!
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:43
Coady is then withdrawn for Italian centre-back Caleb Okoli.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:43
Van Nistelrooy rings the adjustments for the ultimate 10 minutes. The primary of the triple change sees El Khannouss make method for Patson Daka.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:43
Substitution Jordan Pierre Ayew Facundo Valentín Buonanotte
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:41
Leicester Metropolis have conceded eight objectives within the final quarter-hour of the second half. Solely Aston Villa (11) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (9) have conceded extra within the Premier League this season.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:40
Villa tails are up and Buendia is making an attempt to get in on the substitute motion. He simply powers an effort previous the foot of the left publish.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:37
Help Ian Ethan Maatsen
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:36
Villa look to make inroads on the left behind Justin, but the defence ultimately converge effectively to close down the alternatives for each Ramsey and Digne.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:36
Aim Leon Patrick Bailey Butler
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:36
Substitution Lucas Digne Ian Ethan Maatsen
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:36
Substitution Ross Barkley Emiliano Buendía Stati
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:33
A protracted Leicester ball floats via to Martinez and the keeper tries to gas a counter. Nonetheless, Ramsey is pressured again into the Villa half.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:31
Tielemans opts to loft the ball over to the again publish and Thomas nods behind for a nook on the best. Digne takes, but Stolarczyk calls it effectively and catches with relative ease.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:31
Barkley jinks away from El Khannouss because the Moroccan lunges in. The previous Luton string-puller, and the day’s Villa scorer, makes use of his physique expertly to win the foul. It is proper on the sting of the field in an excellent place to shoot. In actual fact, Villa have 5 potential takers gathered across the ball.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:28
Aston Villa have tried 434 passes on this match, larger than their season common of 433.3 within the Premier League.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:28
It appears that evidently Mavididi’s parity-restoring strike has knocked Villa barely. Mings simply pings the ball out for a Leicester via. Certainly the Foxes cannot strike twice whereas the iron is scorching? No. Thomas then takes after Mings and does the identical.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:27
To cite a former Leicester sensei right here in Brendan Rogers, the Foxes “have proven nice character” to get again into this one.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:24
Aim Stephy Alvaro Mavididi
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:24
Vestergaard trudges off now, as Wout Faes enters the fray in his place for the ultimate half an hour.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:23
Villa voices soar now, and now Leicester look wounded. Effectively, maybe fairly actually, as Vestergaard is down. What a blow this may very well be, he is been considered one of their greatest gamers immediately.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:22
Whereas Leicester will draw confidence from early second-half assaults, it would not look good for the Foxes. They’ve did not win any of their final eight matches when conceding first within the Premier League, since a victory over Southampton on nineteenth October 2024.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:18
Watkins drives down the left after being provided effectively by Digne. Coady tracks him all the way in which and diverts a ball inward from the left byline into the side-netting for a nook.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:18
Aim Ross Barkley
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:16
After this commentator bought over Vestergaard vying for a place change, Justin’s eventual cross from the best was claimed by Martinez. Villa then had a break finish with Vestergaard and Mavididi enjoying out effectively from the left nook. Within the subsequent part, Mavididi nicks the ball of Money however Villa are pressured to shortly get well.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:14
Vestergaard! Are you Maldini in disguise? For the third time immediately, the large Dane simply skips and jinks away from his markers like they don’t seem to be even there.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:13
After Villa’s nook got here to nothing with a misplaced Tielemans cross, Leicester preserve maintain of the ball earlier than Soumare will get robbed. Bailey is then taken down, however there is no free-kick given.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:12
Vardy is almost slipped via however Konsa offers with the hazard effectively to play again to Martinez. Leicester then press so excessive and the hosts simply handle to squeeze out of bother with some skilled interaction. A transfer up the pitch culminates in a shot from Barkley, but it is blocked behind for a nook on the left.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:10
El Khannouss causes bother within the space after a Winks ball over from the best. It dribbles via to Mavididi and he spoons an excellent probability again the way in which it got here!
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:08
Tielemans fires one from the sting of the field after the ball is poked away from Watkins, but his low drive is straight into the arms of Stolarczyk. That is higher although…
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:06
Aston Villa get us again into the motion.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:06
Some virtually pensive constructing out from the again has been a shared theme immediately, as Mings and Vestergaard have been their respective groups’ gamers with essentially the most touches. Watkins has been handled brilliantly by the mixed nous of Vestergaard and Coady. That stated, Leicester simply have not been capable of capitalise on their capacity to regain possession within the center with El Khannouss and Soumare. They’ve, nevertheless, proven nice persistence to permit Villa time on the ball, however have to create extra concrete alternatives with Vardy and Mavididi typically wanting like spare components additional ahead. This recreation hardly reads like a traditional. Villa created an xG of 0.15 in that first 45 minutes, whereas Leicester operated round simply 0.05 xG.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
16:01
Some virtually pensive constructing out from the again has been a shared theme immediately, as Mings and Vestergaard have been their respective groups’ gamers with essentially the most touches. Watkins has been handled brilliantly by the mixed nous of Vestergaard and Coady. That stated, Leicester simply have not been capable of capitalise on their capacity to regain possession within the center with El Khannouss and Soumare. They’ve, nevertheless, proven nice persistence to permit Villa time on the ball, however have to create extra concrete alternatives with Vardy and Mavididi typically wanting like spare components additional ahead. This recreation hardly reads like a traditional. Villa created an xG of 0.15 in that first 45 minutes, whereas Leicester operated round simply 0.05 xG.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:57
A closely-run and considerably bleak January contest involves a halt, because the half-time rating reads Aston Villa 0-0 Leicester Metropolis. This commentator hoped that considered one of these two sides would ultimately emerge out of the formative exchanges, nevertheless, neither actually took the sport by the scruff of the neck. With motion laborious to return by because the hosts tried to choose via the Foxes’ cussed form, whereas additionally reacting to inconsistent assaults – the primary flurry of intent arrived within the 14th minute. Money flew down the best earlier than powering in a low and harmful ball for Watkins. Nonetheless, the skilled Coady was alive to the hazard and poked the ball away expertly. Then, because the half steadily wound down with Villa making an attempt virtually each passing mixture within the e book, a last-gasp crescendo had Leicester heads spinning. Watkins ran onto a looping ball on the left and blasted throughout the face. Vestergaard prodded away earlier than Money let rip from vary to sting the fingers of Stolarczyk who provided up a advantageous parry.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:51
HALF-TIME: ASTON VILLA 0-0 LEICESTER CITY
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:51
Watkins flashes throughout the face however Leicester simply get it out! Money then lets go from vary on the best and Stolarczyk needs to be sturdy to parry away!
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:47
Bitty closing exchanges are anticipated because the assistant referee has lifted his board. There will likely be three minutes of added time.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:46
The ambiance is struggling barely, as what seems like Leicester followers splutter into life briefly. Villa have possession on the again and attempt to transfer down the left with Digne and Mings, but it is prodded out for a throw. Enthralling. Near half-time, it could be price going to get a pie or a brew.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:44
It truly is drab studying for all, as neither aspect have had a shot on the right track on this recreation.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:40
Approaching 5 minutes from the break, Villa have had 54% of possession compared to Leicester’s 46%.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:39
Villa construct up effectively round Leicester’s field. Nonetheless, the cussed Foxes clear from Bailey’s low ball.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:36
El Khannouss latches onto a poor header from Money after an extended ball from Leicester. He robs the ball again and breaches the sting of the field, however maybe opens his physique an excessive amount of and fires effectively excessive of the goal. He isn’t pleased with himself.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:34
Breaking out from a midfield skirmish, Villa make progress down their proper aspect with Money discovering Bailey. Nonetheless, his ball into the six-yard field is poked away by the lengthy proper leg of Vestergaard.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:32
Boos ring out as Leicester’s progress up the sphere is interrupted by the ball hitting Gillett. Give him a break fellas, how may you miss the intense yellow man in the midst of the park?
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:31
Leicester’s first nook of the sport is available in and Villa clear. To the dismay of the travelling assist, it is all the way in which again to Stolarczyk earlier than Money is fouled because the Foxes attempt to come ahead once more. Bailey then poses a menace on the best, but El Khannouss strides again to shrug the Jamaican off the ball effortlessly.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:29
Justin is discovered excessive on the Leicester proper with assist from Winks, but Villa get our bodies again. The ball is out over to Mavididi earlier than going backwards to Vestergaard. An eventual cross from Soumare on the left has Mings head behind for a nook to the Foxes.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:27
After Ayew sees a ball from the best byline intercepted by Mings, Coady fouls Watkins to pause momentum. There appears to be a lull in play at the moment, as Villa proceed to barter Leicester’s staunch positioning and occasional offensive menace.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:25
The ball is again with Villa as they attempt to decide the Leicester lock. Nonetheless, Soumare wins it again and tries to set Mavididi off on his method. The hosts are fast to get again although, and once more, power their opponents backwards.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:23
A Villa transfer is disrupted within the centre and Ayew comes infield to jink away from two in claret and blue. It is pushed out to Mavididi, but the hosts press brilliantly and hem Leicester in.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:20
Whereas McGinn appears to be like to return off, it is price noting that there needs to be objectives on this recreation… Each groups have scored in 13 of the 14 Premier League conferences between Aston Villa and Leicester at Villa Park, with the one exception being a 2-0 win for Leicester in December 2001.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:20
Substitution John McGinn Jacob Matthew Ramsey
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:19
Effectively, the intent from each side has stepped up right here. Leicester had a break finish with a Justin cross straight into the gloves of Martinez, earlier than a sweeping cross from the best gifted Stolarczyk a goal-kick. Play is now halted as McGinn is down with an issue.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:18
The nook goes brief earlier than a ball by McGinn is headed behind as soon as extra. Tielemans takes one other brief one for McGinn. The Scot’s ball in is best and deeper into Leicester territory. Nonetheless, as Konsa nods it again from the byline for a lurking Mings, Justin will get it away. Watkins is down with a bloody lip after a separate collision, but the Foxes survive.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:16
That is extra prefer it! Motion! Money’s cross from the best is low and harmful, and whereas Watkins stretched, Coady confirmed skilled timing to dam the ball behind!
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:15
Ayew is fouled from behind by Tielemans on Leicester’s proper wing. The free-kick is put into the realm but Villa head it out. Vestergaard once more reveals his capacity to show away from hazard within the center, however the guests are ultimately pressured backwards.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:13
After a quick spell of passing within the Leicester field, the ball is firmly again with the hosts. The Foxes’ construction may be very agency. Winks will get a foot on possession earlier than being fouled, but Villa get it again. You’re feeling the house aspect have to muster up some significant assaults quickly sufficient. Leicester are glad the place they’re, it appears, and glad to frustrate.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:10
Following their 2-1 win on the King Energy Stadium in August, Aston Villa need to full their first league double over Leicester since 2003-04. They admittedly look extra snug of the 2 groups thus far.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:09
Bailey tries a cross with the skin of his boot to the best byline, however alas it is a little bit too highly effective for his inside runner. Stolarczyk lofts up a goal-kick, but the ball is shortly again with the hosts.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:08
After a problem from the bustling El Khannouss, Mings holds his ‘no-go space’ as one commentator has so aptly put it. Successful a free-kick, Villa preserve the ball of their half as Leicester look glad to drop again barely.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:07
Soumare flies via the again of a turning Tielemans within the centre-right of the pitch. It appears to be like like a painful one for the Belgian. Nonetheless, Villa look ahead shortly and Barkley pushes the ball left. It will get to McGinn ultimately and he drives to the left byline earlier than profitable a nook. This goes brief and McGinn floats a deep ball to Money on the again publish. He can solely header tamely, giving Stolarczyk a simple declare.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:04
It has been removed from a frenetic begin right here as each side have been cautious to get a foot on the ball. Vestegaard did deploy an uncharacteristic drag-back flick, but that is been the one transient spotlight thus far within the early skirmish.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:02
Leicester get us began right here at Villa Park!
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
15:02
Villa emerge from the bowels of Villa Park with goals of Champions League qualification. They’re solely six factors off the European locations. For Leicester, it is all about conserving survival hopes alive within the second half of the time period. Three factors could be large within the West Midlands right here. The 2 respective captains meet with Gillett for the coin toss. It appears to be like just like the guests will kick us off, enjoying from proper to left.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
14:58
Right this moment’s chief official is Jarred Gillett. He arrives for his first Premier League recreation since late September’s 1-1 draw between Newcastle and Manchester Metropolis. Apparently sufficient, the Australian referee has dished out 26 yellow playing cards in simply the 4 top-flight video games that he is been accountable for this time period. It’s price taking into consideration, that eight of these cautions arrived within the North London Derby (1-0W Arsenal). Will we see some higher self-discipline this afternoon? He leads the 2 sides out of the tunnel onto the pristine turf at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
14:42
Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has made two adjustments to the aspect who have been crushed 2-0 at dwelling by Manchester Metropolis. Jordan Ayew and Luke Thomas come into the crew for Facundo Buonanotte and Victor Kristiansen.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
14:42
Unai Emery has made three adjustments to the Aston Villa aspect who drew 2-2 with Brighton on Monday night time. Pau Torres steps out with a damaged metatarsal as Morgan Rogers serves a one-match suspension. Diego Carlos additionally misses out. The trio are changed by Tyrone Mings, Ross Barkley, and Matty Money.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
14:42
SUBS: Daniel Iversen, Hamza Choudhury, Caleb Okoli, Wout Faes, Oliver Skipp, Will Alves, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Facundo Buonanotte, Patson Daka.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
14:42
LEICESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Jakub Stolarczyk; James Justin, Conor Coady, Jannik Vestergaard, Luke Thomas; Harry Winks, Boubakary Soumare; Jordan Ayew, Bilal El Khannouss, Stephy Mavididi; Jamie Vardy.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
14:42
SUBS: Robin Olsen, Ian Maatsen, Kosta Nedeljkovic, Lamare Bogarde, Sil Swinkels, Amadou Onana, Emiliano Buendia, Jamaldeen Jimoh, Jacob Ramsey.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
14:42
ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martínez; Matty Money, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne; Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley; Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn; Ollie Watkins.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
14:37
Trying to lengthen their unbeaten dwelling league run to 10 matches, Aston Villa welcome Midlands counterparts Leicester Metropolis to Villa Park. The Villans have been pressured to share the spoils with Brighton throughout their last contest of 2024, whereas the Foxes have been defeated on their very own patch by Manchester Metropolis to spherical off a blended calendar yr. Successful simply considered one of their last 4 top-flight outings previous to the flip of the yr, Villa have dropped all the way down to ninth place within the Premier League standings. Leicester’s 2-0 defeat towards Metropolis prolonged their winless streak to 5, leaving them in nineteenth place on 14 factors, two factors adrift of security with 19 matches left. The crew now guided by Van Nistelrooy have not earned a win in a Premier League away recreation since October 2024 towards Southampton.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
14:37
Whats up and welcome everybody, and a belated Blissful New Yr to all! We have flicked over into a brand new calendar yr and there are many resolutions to go round, as immediately, two sides are on the lookout for recent begins after their earlier video games in 2024. We carry you reside textual content protection of Aston Villa v Leicester Metropolis, in what’s hopefully an interesting conflict within the Premier League’s twentieth matchday.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
14:30
Lineups are introduced and gamers are warming up.
Aston Villa vs Leicester Metropolis
13:00
Observe all of the objectives and newest motion from the Premier League right here with The Unbiased. Group information and line-ups developing shortly…