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Kieran King

Pundits predictions as tough night expected for Leeds United's trip to Aston Villa

Leeds United will be hoping to return to winning ways when they travel to Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

Marcelo Bielsa's side suffered a 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United last time out and could move further away from the relegation zone with all three points.

This is the Whites' first game for 18 days following the enforced two-week winter break after they were knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup third-round at West Ham United.

Meanwhile, opponents Villa are searching for back-to-back victories for the first time since November and can move into the top-half with a win.

FiveThirtyEight, a website that gives data-driven predictions for matches, is expecting Villa to come out with the three points in the West Midlands.

They have forecasted a 47 per cent chance of Villa winning, with the Whites behind that on 28 per cent.

Pundits from across the media have given their views on the upcoming fixture and Leeds Live have rounded them up for you.

Mark Lawrenson - BBC Sport

BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson doesn't think Leeds will have enough to get something from the game and is backing Gerrard's men to win it.

He said: "Leeds are still missing Patrick Bamford and I don't think they will really get going until he returns, hopefully by the end of this month.

"Aston Villa, in contrast, are flying at the moment. Even when they've lost under Steven Gerrard, they have played well and they are looking up the table while Leeds are still glancing over their shoulder."

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Leeds

Paul Merson - Sportskeeda

In his Sportskeeda column, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson agrees with Lawrenson and

He said: "Leeds won a few Premier League games last month but they lost to Newcastle all of a sudden. They’re back in danger now and they need a couple of wins. I don’t think they’re going to get one here.

"Aston Villa have been playing well with Steven Gerrard at the helm. They’ve made quality additions to their squad in the transfer window and hold the upper hand against Leeds this week."

Prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 Leeds

Lewis Jones - Sky Sports

Speaking on Sky Sports, journalist Lewis Jones believes that Leeds will claim a point from their trip to Villa and is tipping a score draw between the two sides.

He said: "Much of the midweek Premier League fare does point to low-scoring, cagey games. Not this one.

"Under the lights at Villa Park, all the ingredients should result in a very watchable, end-to-end football match with both teams fully rested up for two weeks following their exits from the FA Cup at the third-round stage.

"Steven Gerrard isn't a gung-ho type of manager, but, you can try and play as controlled and savvy as you want, but Leeds will draw you into engaging in a slug-fest of a match as the space they offer up in transitions is so inviting for opposition players.

"The home crowd will only encourage their side to adopt such an attack-minded approach - as seen in the reverse fixture last season that ended up with 39 shots being fired at goal across both teams - the third-highest seen in any game last season."

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Leeds

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