Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree on Leeds United v Aston Villa

Leeds United are preparing for a major test when they host in-form Aston Villa at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.

After making a slow start to the Premier League season, Unai Emery’s side have lost just one of their last eight games and a 4-0 home win against AFC Bournemouth prior to the international break ensured they are sitting in sixth place in the table prior to this weekend’s trip to LS11.

By contrast, Leeds are struggling to build momentum in their bid to avoid relegation from the top flight and a run of just one win in their last six games has left Daniel Farke’s men looking nervously over their shoulder at the drop zone. As it stands ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, the Whites are sitting just one point and two places above eighteenth placed West Ham United, who currently sit on the wrong side of the dotted line.

Sunday’s game at Elland Road will bring a clash of two sides in contrasting form and Leeds know they will have to be at their intense best if they are to claim a win that they would hope would spark a major upturn in form as the season gradually makes it way towards the pivotal festive period. Former Premier League winners Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have had their say on what could happen during what is sure to be a nervy afternoon - and both former top flight stars have predicted a similar outcome.

What has Chris Sutton said about Leeds United v Aston Villa?

Writing in his BBC Sport predictions column, the former Blackburn Rovers striker said: “Leeds have been strong at home for a long time now, and they have picked up eight of their 11 points so far at Elland Road. But this still feels like a massive game for them, because although they have made a reasonable start to the season, there are still some Leeds fans who are not sure about manager Daniel Farke. If they lose at home to Aston Villa, albeit an in-form and improving Villa, then it could start to turn ugly for Farke if they fall into the relegation places.

“So Farke needs something here and it won't be easy because Villa have the quality to hurt them, and they have got a bit of momentum too. Unai Emery's side have won eight of their past 10 matches in all competitions, and one of the games they lost was against Liverpool when they actually deserved something from it. I don't think Villa will lose this, and a draw would be a good result for Leeds.

What has Paul Merson said about Leeds United v Aston Villa?

Writing in his Sportkeeda column, the Sky Sports pundit said: “I worry for Leeds a bit. I look at their team and I don't know who is going to give them that X-factor. Aston Villa have turned a massive corner in recent weeks and are one of the most in-form teams in the league. I'd be shocked if they lose this game.

“Ollie Watkins hasn't really turned up so far this season. He does a lot of unselfish work for the team though. I don't think that work will go unnoticed in the eyes of the manager. Hopefully, the goals can also follow soon. Leeds need to go out and sign someone who can bring the X-factor to their team in January, if they want to stay in the Premier League. An easy win for Villa here.”

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