Mark Lawrenson's BOLD Leeds United scoreline prediction ahead of Aston Villa Premier League clash

Writing his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, Mark Lawrenson backed Leeds to claim a 2-1 away win.

Justifying his pick, the former player claimed: "Villa are going great guns, with four wins out of four in the Premier League so far. It's not just been their results that have been impressive, because they have been playing well too.

"But I just fancy Leeds here. I watched them against Wolves on Monday and, although they ended up being beaten, it is clear already this season that, even if they are not playing well, they are competitive and they will give everyone a good game.

"Kalvin Phillips is out injured, which is a blow to Leeds because he covers acres and acres for them. But you won't see anything different from them on Friday - they won't change the way they play because one of their better players is out."

Meanwhile, Lawro's sparring partner for the week, Style Council drummer Steve White, tipped Villa to win 2-1, and said: "I'm so glad to see Leeds back in the Premier League, I think it is where they deserve to be...but I can't see them beating Villa, who are really well organised."

The last time the two sides met, back in April 2019, a 1-1 draw saw the Whites' hopes of securing automatic promotion snuffed out at Elland Road.