Credit: Imago

Tom Griffin

Fri 21 November 2025 7:40, UK

Leeds United return from the international break with a home clash against Aston Villa.

Following a run of four defeats in five Premier League matches, there has been talk of Leeds sacking Daniel Farke.

Leeds were beaten 3-1 by Nottingham Forest last time out, as they dropped into 16th position, only one point above 18th-place West Ham.

The Whites are embroiled in a battle against relegation, and ahead of their showdown against Aston Villa on Sunday, Paul Merson has said where Farke must invest in his squad.

Paul Merson says Leeds need a striker

Any team that wants to survive relegation arguably needs a striker capable of hitting double figures, and unfortunately, the Yorkshire outfit don’t currently have someone of that ilk in their squad.

Leeds are the joint-second lowest scorers in the Premier League, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha firing three goals between them.

Ahead of the January transfer window, Leeds are looking to sign a new striker, and according to former Arsenal forward Merson, only investing in a clinical scorer will keep them in the top-flight.

“Leeds need to go out and sign someone who can bring the X-factor to their team in January, if they want to stay in the Premier League.” he wrote in his column for Sportskeeda.

Merson also predicted Villa to secure an ‘easy’ 3-1 win over the hosts on Sunday, a result which would surely ramp up the pressure on Farke.

“I worry for Leeds a bit. I look at their team and I don’t know who is going to give them that X-factor,” Merson added.

“Aston Villa have turned a massive corner in recent weeks and are one of the most in-form teams in the league. I’d be shocked if they lose this game. An easy win for Villa here.”

• Read More: Leeds United vs Aston Villa: Weather update, ticket information, away guide

Leeds H2H record vs Aston Villa

Leeds have a poor recent record against Aston Villa, having not claimed all three points in this fixture since a 3-0 victory in October 2020.

So, Farke must address a five-match winless run in this weekend’s showdown, and considering Villa have won five of their last six matches in the Premier League, that won’t be an easy task.

Leeds fans will just be hoping for an instant reaction after their disappointing 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest before the break.

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