Let's Gain Momentum: Leeds vs Villa pre-match thoughts

By @Joe_Potter4

After a truly heartbreaking Easter weekend, it is time for all Leeds fans to once again face the idea of football. Yes, Wigan was shocking and yes, Brentford was gut-wrenching to the point where I could hardly speak after the game, but now more than ever, we need to pick up ourselves from the dirt and beat Aston Villa.

I have just about come to terms with our position and the likelihood of playing in the play-offs. All the players need to do is re-group and start getting things ticking over again. If we can do a job on Aston Villa this weekend, that puts down a massive marker. Aston Villa are the in-form team at the moment, winning, a club-record, ten games in a row. At this level that is an incredible run, Dean Smith looks like Pep Guardiola and Jack Grealish looks like an in-form Zidane (that's potentially a slight exaggeration). Imagine the message it would send to the rest of the play-off hopefuls if we pulled off a result on Sunday.

It goes without saying, this game will not be the same as the reverse fixture at Villa Park back in December (what a game). However, they looked vulnerable at the back that day, and I still believe their defense is their weakest part of the team. The midfield will be a massive factor in deciding the result of this game, if we can control that middle third, keep McGinn, Grealish and Hourihane quiet, I think we will win, that is quite a big 'if'!

They have pace, skill and can be very direct in a very effective way, but forget all that, we're Leeds United! We didn't get to third in the table for no reason. On our day, I honestly believe we are the best team in the league, this year we've played honest, attractive football with flair, aggression and skill. Let's hope Sunday is our day once more.

Prediction: Leeds United 2-1 Aston Villa

MOT