Friday 13 April 2018 18:58, UK
Will Aston Villa still win automatic promotion? What's gone wrong for Leeds? We take a look at the key questions ahead of Friday night's clash...
Aston Villa's win against Cardiff on Tuesday made for superb viewing, especially Jack Grealish's stunning winner, but in reality the victory might have done more for Fulham's promotion bid than the one of Steve Bruce's side.
Villa are five points off Fulham, with both sides having four games left to play, and four behind Cardiff, who have five. While it looks like it might be a two-horse race now between those two, Villa need to win all their remaining games to take advantage of any potential slip-ups.
Their next two games are eminently winnable. Leeds are in poor form and their next game is a trip to managerless Ipswich. After that, however, things get a little bit tougher as they face Derby at home before travelling to Millwall on the final day. All Villa can do is claim 12 more points, then see what happens above them.
Leeds were not exactly in cracking form when Thomas Christiansen was sacked in early February, but things have probably got even worse under Paul Heckingbottom.
It's too soon to judge the new manager (although Leeds managers in the recent past have undoubtedly been sacked for less) but two wins in 11 games does not make for pretty reading.
Leeds have gone from an outside play-off shot to a dismal 14th in the table and Heckingbottom will hope to restore a little bit of positivity to give himself some breathing space in the summer and at the start of the new campaign.
It seems like a long time ago now that Jack Grealish was tipped for the top, way back when Villa were in the Premier League. But he's been improving all season since returning from injury in November and has really started to stand out for Villa.
His goal against Cardiff, as mentioned above, was fantastic and showed that he can be a real game decider for Bruce's side. If Villa do end up in the play-offs then he could be the difference for them as they try and win promotion.
It's still just half a season of good form though and Grealish has a long way to go to get to where he should be. A full season of action, either in the Championship or Premier League next year, would do a world of good for the 22-year-old.
Everywhere, in truth. Leeds have some genuine creative talent but even Samu Saiz, his lengthy ban permitting, has gone off the boil under Heckingbottom.
It's hard to pick out a single player who has performed consistently well all season for the club, and the fact they have moved on to their third-choice goalkeeper in Bailey Peacock-Farrell shows there were some significant recruitment last summer.
Against Preston on Tuesday night there were two midfielders at full-back in Stuart Dallas and Vurnon Anita, while Paudie O'Connor was making just his second appearance in central defence. If they have any faith in Heckingbottom then the owners need to back him in the transfer window.
Don't miss the Sky Bet Championship clash between Aston Villa and Leeds on Friday night, live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event from 7pm
