A month-long wait to watch Leeds United in action finally ends at Elland Road this weekend. The Whites take to the field for the first time since September 2 when they host Aston Villa on Sunday.
As two big hitters in English football, the two sides have been embroiled in some epic encounters over the years. Several players have represented both sides, too.
Ugo Ehiogu, Stephen Warnock, Fabian Delph and James Milner are a select few of those who have played for Leeds and Villa. Ahead of the clash, LeedsLive have taken a peek through the history book to relive some of the tastiest contests between the two in recent times.
February 9, 2022 - Aston Villa 3-3 Leeds United
An entertaining thriller at the Villa earlier this year saw Leeds fight back from two goals down to snatch a point. Despite taking a ninth-minute lead through Dan James, the hosts hit back through a Phillipe Coutinho brace and one from Matty Cash.
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Marcelo Bielsa would be sacked less than one month later but this game typified his reign at Elland Road.
October 23, 2020 - Aston Villa 0-3 Leeds United
A Patrick Bamford hat-trick stunned Villa - who had won every game of the season up until that point. Returning to the Premier League after 16 years did not appear to faze the Whites as Bielsa’s gung-ho style earned the plaudits.
Bamford matched Eric Cantona’s long-standing record of scoring six goals in his first six top-flight games for Leeds. His manager heaped praise on the striker after the game.
“I’m very happy for Patrick because he scored some wonderful goals,” Bielsa said. “Apart from that, he is a noble player who sacrifices a lot for the team - generous also. I think his development is more to do with him and less to do with me."
December 23, 2018 - Aston Villa 2-3 Leeds United
Another heroic comeback from two goals down… but only this one secured a win!
Kemar Roofe sent the Villa Park away end into raptures when he drilled home a 95th-minute winner to keep Leeds on top of the Championship. At the halfway stage of the campaign, the Whites were one point clear and talk of a top-flight return was ramped up.
Unfortunately, play-off heartbreak ensued six months later and Leeds would have to wait another year to reach the promised land.
May 11, 2003 - Leeds United 3-1 Aston Villa
A turbulent campaign ended with victory in 2003, with goals from Ian Harte, Joey Gudjonsson and Mark Viduka sealing the win. However, a dark cloud was forming over Elland Road as financial difficulties began to mount.
The worst was yet to come for Leeds fans and Harry Kewell’s departure a few days afterwards was an ominous sign for the season ahead. As we know, the Whites were relegated the following year.
January 30, 2000 - Aston Villa 3-2 Leeds United
Leeds may have lost… but this was a belter nonetheless. Beni Carbone netted a hat-trick and Paul Merson rolled back the years to dump the Whites out of the FA Cup.
Despite taking the lead twice, David O’Leary’s men surrendered as Villa advanced to the quarter-final. A repeat of the 1996 League Cup final ended in similar fashion for Leeds.
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