Leeds United v Aston Villa - round two of Patrick Bamford's battle, Ollie Watkins shouldering responsibility and Graham Smyth's prediction

A second victory of the season over Dean Smith's side would move Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds on to 38 points and what most would see as safety from the drop. Others would see it as a sign that even greater things are possible this season, but Bielsa himself will continue to assess the Whites' success on a game by game basis.

One of the main narratives for this game will be the men leading the attacks for each side. Patrick Bamford and Ollie Watkins have both been spoken about in the debate over who should go to the Euros for England and the two men shoulder big responsibility for their respective sides.

The fitness of Jack Grealish is another big story and although Bielsa would like Villa's star man to be fit, he remains an injury doubt.

LAST TIME AT ELLAND ROAD

Championship: Sunday April 28 2019, Leeds United 1-1 Aston Villa (Klich 72).

KEY BATTLE

Patrick Bamford v the centre backs

In the first half of the last meeting, Patrick Bamford endured a difficult first half against Villa's centre-backs Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings. They gave him a bit of a physical buffeting, closed him down and were aggressive. In the second half he turned the tables, making and finding space and scoring three goals. He coasted, full of confidence having won the arm wrestle. They will be under orders to keep him quiet for 90 minutes. That's easier said than done at present.

VILLA KEY MAN

Ollie Watkins

With Jack Grealish out injured, Villa have to look elsewhere for creative inspiration and Ollie Watkins is a player capable of hurting Leeds United. Marcelo Bielsa is faced with a choice between Pascal Struijk and fit-again Diego Llorente to partner Liam Cooper who has been impressive against strong centre-forwards this season. All Watkins needs is half a chance, however, he's a fine finisher. He has 10 goals and two assists this season and if Leeds keep him quiet they'll have a far better chance of a result.

GRAHAM SMYTH'S VERDICT

Leeds United's humbling of Villa showed what can happen when Marcelo Bielsa's side take their chances. The clinical finishing we've seen from Patrick Bamford and his supporting cast, in games against Villa, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Southampton make the Whites an even more dangerous proposition to the side we saw in the Championship last season. The absence of Jack Grealish would be hugely significant, his ball-carrying ability gave Leeds problems last time, before they took over to win 3-0. This is the kind of game that will be tight but is very winnable. I'm predicting a 2-1 win.