Ollie Watkins set for axe vs Leeds United after latest Aston Villa reveal
Ollie Watkins could be set to sit out of Aston Villa’s clash with Leeds.
Aston Villa are on course for European qualification again this season, despite a somewhat ropey start to the campaign.
Unai Emery’s side will be expected to take one small step closer to that when they travel to face Leeds United, given the struggles the Whites have showcased under Daniel Farke.
However, if they are to do that, Emery may have to do it without Watkins, who has struggled against the Whites in the past.
Leeds know how to deal with Ollie Watkins
Watkins is having a poor season at Aston Villa, and that alone should be enough cause for him to be benched.
However, concerns over his performances go much further back.
In the 12 games he has played against Leeds, the 29-year-old has failed to score a single goal, while only having two assists to his name.
Half of those games were throughout his time at Brentford, when he was on the winning side on just two occasions.
To make matters worse, Watkins managed to complete just 50 per cent of his two attempted passes in the last encounter between these two sides, according to FotMob, before an injury forced his early withdrawal in the 32nd minute.
On that day, he failed to complete a single dribble or get a shot off, which has been a theme of his whenever he has come up against Leeds.
Aston Villa’s record vs Leeds is more promising
While Watkins’ record against Leeds will be cause for concern, the Villans have had the last laugh in their encounters more recently.
Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last five against Leeds, having only lost twice in the last 22 years.
The very first meeting between these two sides was all the way back in 1924, when Villa secured a 3-0 win in the FA Cup.
Billy Walker and Len Capewell were on the score sheet for the hosts on that day.
Since then, Aston Villa have won 42, while Leeds have managed as many draws as they have wins, with 32.
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