Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has admitted that his side will have to face a difficult task when they play host to Leeds United at Villa Park tonight.
Jesse Marsch's side have drawn two of their three Premier League matches since the return from the winter break but face a tough test against Emery's side who sit 11th in the league.
Villa suffered a shock F.A Cup upset to Stevenage last weekend which has threatened to knock their confidence slightly but the Spanish coach admitted that Leeds could prove to be another close encounter.
READ MORE: 'Poised' - Jesse Marsch sends Aston Villa warning ahead of Leeds United's Premier League clash
READ MORE: Leeds United line-ups vs Aston Villa as Max Wober and Jack Harrison headline nine changes
In his pre-match press conference, Emery highlighted Rodrigo, Leeds' top goalscorer this season with 11 in all competitions, as their main threat while admiring the way that they play under Marsch.
"They are a very difficult team because they have very good players. They push a lot and they played a very good match in Newcastle being so, so competitive. They lost against Tottenham 4-3 [in November] but playing really well and they were winning for the first 80 minutes. It’s an example of how competitive they are.
"Tomorrow I’m expecting to play a difficult team. We need to avoid their pressing because their counter-pressing is amazing and they have fast players. They have a very good striker in Rodrigo, he’s in a good moment. They’re challenging."
READ NEXT:
Five Leeds United options as Jesse Marsch plans for spell without Crysencio Summerville
Rodrigo and Rutter give Bamford what he needs on nostalgic Leeds United return to Villa Park
What we learned watching Leeds United train - Junior Firpo skill, Max Wober, fitness clues
D.C. United announce former Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich signing on two-year deal
Leeds United confirm defender's exit with opportunities axed by international's January arrival
