Aston Villa’s 2-2 draw against Brighton may have been a minor setback, leaving them 6 points off the Champions League spots in ninth place, but they are still firmly in the race for European qualification. This weekend, they take on a Leicester side in complete disarray, having lost their last 4 matches while scoring just one goal.

Villa’s form under Unai Emery has been promising, with 4 wins in their last 7 matches, including two victories against Leicester last season, both by a 2-1 scoreline. With their attacking firepower led by Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey, Villa have enough to exploit Leicester’s defensive struggles. Given the Foxes’ lack of confidence and poor performances under Ruud van Nistelrooy, this is a strong opportunity for Villa to secure all three points.

Villa’s attacking intensity and proactive style of play have made them one of the Premier League’s corner-heavy teams, averaging 5.85 corners per game this season. Leicester’s defensive issues, meanwhile, have led them to concede an average of 6.45 corners per game. These struggles were glaringly evident in their recent away match at Liverpool, where they conceded a staggering 14 corners.

Villa have consistently delivered in this market, taking 6 or more corners in 5 of their last 7 matches. With players like McGinn, Bailey, and Watkins driving forward, Villa should dominate possession and create plenty of opportunities to force corners. Leicester’s inability to manage opposition pressure makes backing Villa to win 6 or more corners an excellent bet.

Ollie Watkins is poised to spearhead Villa’s attack in the absence of John Duran and Morgan Rogers due to suspension. Despite limited starts in December, Watkins has demonstrated his quality with 3 goals and 2 assists in his last 3 starts, highlighting his knack for making decisive contributions.

Leicester’s defence has been particularly vulnerable, conceding 35 shots on target in their last 7 matches, offering ample opportunities for attackers like Watkins to shine. Given his ability to either find the back of the net or set up teammates, Watkins represents strong value at 1.62 to either score or assist in a match where Villa are expected to dominate offensively.

Soumaré has been Leicester’s primary enforcer in midfield, leading the team in fouls this season with an average of 1.27 per game. His defensive responsibilities often put him under pressure, and he has committed at least one foul in his last 5 matches, including 3 fouls in 2 of those games. Villa’s high-paced attack and ability to win fouls (averaging 12.63 fouls won per game) will test Soumaré’s discipline.

With Villa applying constant pressure, particularly through players like McGinn and Watkins, Soumaré is likely to be drawn into multiple challenges. Backing him to commit at least 2 fouls in this game looks like a solid pick, especially given Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Watkins is Villa’s primary attacking outlet and has been in fine form, averaging 1.48 shots on target per game. He returned to the starting lineup with a point to prove, registering 6 shots against Brighton, with 3 of those on target. Leicester’s defence, which has allowed 35 shots on target in their last 7 matches, provides an ideal opportunity for Watkins to shine.

Villa’s ability to control games and create chances means Watkins should see plenty of opportunities to test Leicester’s goalkeeper. With his sharp movement and willingness to shoot, backing Watkins to register at least two shots on target offers excellent value.

John McGinn’s combative style in midfield makes him a magnet for fouls. Averaging 2.28 fouls won per game this season, the Scottish international has been fouled multiple times in 9 of his last 10 matches, winning 26 fouls over that period. Leicester’s midfield has struggled to cope with dynamic players, committing an average of 12.63 fouls per game.

McGinn’s ability to shield the ball and drive forward will make him a target for Leicester’s defenders and midfielders. His physicality and work rate ensure he’ll likely win at least two fouls in this fixture, making this a valuable pick.

Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss is a reliable candidate to commit a foul in this game. The midfielder averages 1.90 fouls per 90 minutes and has committed fouls in 9 of his last 11 matches. With a total of 16 fouls during this period, El Khannouss’s involvement in breaking up play is evident. Villa’s midfield, led by McGinn and Douglas Luiz, will force El Khannouss into action, increasing the likelihood of him committing at least one foul.

Soumaré’s aggressive approach has seen him collect 4 yellow cards in his last 5 matches. Averaging 1.27 fouls per game, he’s often forced into rash challenges, particularly when under pressure. Villa’s quick and direct attacking style will test Soumaré’s discipline, as players like McGinn, Watkins, and Luiz constantly look to drive forward.

Villa’s ability to win fouls, averaging 12.63 per game, further increases the likelihood of Soumaré being penalised. Given referee Jarred Gillett’s recent trend of awarding cards (6.8 cards per game over his last five), Soumaré could find himself walking a disciplinary tightrope and 2.88 shows excellent value