No chance ! And I'll promise I won't go I told you so after!!
I can see a loss too, although I'm always wrong.
True. That does bring me some comfort.
Heres why we win:
Well thinking on it the fushion of formations 4-1-3-1 and 4-4-2 , 4-1-4-1 will be deployed by Deano and actually the sort of support striker role Barkely will play really offers chances for goals and creates a lot of problems for Leeds especially without Phillips.
So actually I think just like against Liverpool , Villa will start front foot and have 2 attackers in Watkins and Barkley , maybe McGinn too pressing on their back line. Certainly 2 strikers on the defence.
And a likely early goal will be the wish and preference for Smith. Then Leeds will really have issues.
Just how Man City started and didn't give Leeds time to settle villa will be looking to do the same.
Then once ahead take our chances unlike Man City did and also push on for counter attacks as Leeds come to attack
Just like Liverpool though they will be continuously exposed and its a case of making the right choice by Villa in final third and scoring our chances that will come about.
On the defensive side I feel the positions being held across the back four and the little room villa will allow , just like we did , v Liverpool will see Leeds real big chances few and far between.
For me Dean will go on the offensive and be organised and positional sound in defence and midfield without the ball.
In fact we've been well organised and drilled for each match for a while so having the positional discipline isn't the issue
I certainly feel good about this one as the set up by Dean its his zenith vs Leeds . So Leeds players will be left all a bit lost as to what to do.
As every time they go forward they will be at most vulnerable and just as Villa were against Liverpool every time going forward we'll create and have chances of scoring.
Leeds only play 3 at the back if playing 2 strikers yet Villa system means we essentially have Watkins as a striker with Barkley or McGinn pushing on so Leeds be confused to what to deploy at the back . Looking forward to the spaces created and room behind their full backs so at times we'll have 4 up front!!
Its actually a watershed moment , again, for everyone outside Villa to recognise Dean Smith genius and that Villa should be getting many plaudits after our 5th straight win
Because we have the beauty of various ways of playing this match and how to play though the best way is to attack them from the outset and be organised in defence.
For me I can imagine Smith really enjoying the preparation for this one as the only way Leeds play will play into our hands whichever way Villa go about things.