Premier League: Aston Villa vs. Leicester Odds, Preview, and Picks (Jan 4)

Aston Villa will be hoping to get back on track in the Premier League when they play their first match of 2025. Leicester City will be the visitors to Villa Park, as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side chase a positive response after dropping into the relegation zone.

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How To Watch

• When: Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET
• Where: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
• How To Watch: NBC

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Odds

Match Result	Odds
Aston Villa	-300
Draw	+450
Leicester	+750

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Match Preview

Last year will be one that lives long in the memory for Aston Villa fans, as Unai Emery guided the West Midlands team into the Champions League. However, securing their spot in the competition will be the big challenge awaiting Villa in 2025.

The Midlands side come into this first match of the calendar year sitting ninth in the standings, and they have suffered defeats in two of their last four. That run of form leaves them sitting six points off the Champions League positions.

Leicester will also have a point to prove after a largely forgettable end to the previous calendar year. The Foxes suffered four successive defeats to drop into the bottom three, and they are now two points adrift from safety. No side in the Premier League has conceded more goals than Leicester so far this term.

READ More: Premier League: Man City vs. West Ham Odds, Preview, and Picks (Jan 4)

Villa recorded a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture between the sides this season, and they are chasing a first league double over Leicester since 2003-04. Leicester have recorded wins in three of their last four away matches at Villa Park, which includes a 4-2 victory on their last visit.

Leicester have suffered defeats in their opening match of a calendar year in just two of the last 16. Meanwhile, Villa are playing their 14th home match to start a calendar year, and they have suffered just one defeat across that period.

Goals should be assured this weekend, as all but one of the last 14 Premier League meetings at Villa Park have seen both teams score. The only exception was a 2-0 win for Leicester in December 2001.

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Aston Villa vs. Leicester Picks

Villa continue to be hard to bet against despite their recent struggles. Their home form has remained solid throughout the season, with their only defeat coming at the hands of Arsenal. Therefore, a home win looks like a big chance on Saturday.

Free Pick:

• Aston Villa