Leeds United will need one of their players to step up and match Mark Viduka as they look to claim a long-awaited win over Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Goals have been hard to come by for Daniel Farke and his side this season, after an alarming downturn in form, which has seen Leeds drift closer to the Premier League relegation places.
The fact that centre-back Joe Rodon is currently Leeds’ top scorer in the league this season highlights their problems in attack, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin stuck on one goal for the season.
Farke has two decisions to make regarding the make-up of his front three, with Dan James having impressed for Wales in the week and Calvert-Lewin expected to be fit to replace Lukas Nmecha, who scored the only goal against Forest.
If Leeds can find the net against Villa, the goalscorer will become the first player to score in the Premier League at Elland Road in the fixture since Mark Viduka ended a difficult 2002/03 season on a high 22 years ago.
Mark Viduka scored Leeds United’s last goal against Aston Villa in the Premier League
Leeds United hosted Aston Villa in the final game of the 2002/03 season, a year that saw Peter Ridsdale leave the club as Leeds descended into financial turmoil.
Peter Reid ended the season as Leeds manager, having been parachuted in to steer Leeds away from the relegation zone, after Terry Venables’ difficult spell as manager.
Leeds had secured their top-flight status with a dramatic 3-2 win over Arsenal at Highbury, which featured an Ian Harte free-kick and a Viduka goal, and Reid’s side repeated that trick against Villa.
Prediction for Leeds United v Aston Villa
Neither team had anything to play for in what was a dead rubber, and there was an exhibition feel to the game. Harte opened the scoring, whipping in a trademark free-kick after Viduka had been brought down outside the box.
Villa equalised through Joey Gudjonsson after Leeds had sat back on their lead, as he fired home from 30 yards to pull his side level. However, the marginalised Nick Barmby put Leeds back on course for a win when he headed home 10 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.
Viduka had the last act of the game, rounding goalkeeper Stefan Postma to score his 20th league goal of the season, providing one last flourish in a difficult season for Leeds. 22 years later, Leeds are still waiting for a home Premier League goal against the Villans.
Daniel Farke praises Unai Emery ahead of Premier League clash
As Farke attempts to become the first Leeds manager since Reid to guide this side to a victory over Villa, he has taken time to praise his opposite number.
Unai Emery was once a target for Leeds, and the Spanish manager has guided his side into Europe, having taken over as head coach with Villa languishing in the bottom half of the table.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, via the Leeds United website, Farke spoke highly of Emery, stating: “He is one of the best in this business.”
Leeds v Aston Villa head-to-head stats
Farke continued: “You just have to have a look at his CV. Outstanding record. I think he has done outstanding work at Villa. If you have a look at his European record, it is incredible. It is always great to see him because he is also a gentleman.
“It is always nice to chat with him, but it is never that great to see one of his sides because it is so challenging to play against them.
“They are difficult to open, difficult to create chances and to score against them. They always have a clear strategy.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
