'This Is A Different Villa' – Inspecting Emery's Men
- Ashley Preece from Birmingham Live previews Aston Villa vs. Leicester City
- The Birmingham-based journalist believes Unai Emery has transformed Villa
- Fans can follow live coverage of the game from 2pm GMT on Saturday on LCFC Radio
The Spaniard's arrival at Villa Park has turned a season which could have involved relegation anxiety into one which may end with European qualification. The Villans are 11th in the Premier League, but just three points away from sixth.
Emery's side also go into Saturday's clash with Leicester City on the back of five wins in seven matches. Speaking ahead of that encounter with the Foxes, Preece spoke to LCFC Radio's Matchday Live show to offer his perspective on the hosts.
"The system they’re playing is a 4-2-2-2 in effect," he explained. "Villa have a lot more possession now. They’re patient in their build-up. They’re no forcing it, or they’re not gung-ho, like they were under the previous manager.
"If the pass isn’t on, they recycle it and try and work the ball in another way. There’s a lot more confidence as well. The little tweaks which the coaches have made have made the world of difference. You’re looking at a different Villa now.
"It’s a totally different side to what Leicester have been used to previously."
Álex Moreno and Jhon Durán have arrived at Villa Park last month, but supporters may have wanted further additions, Preece says.
He added: "Fans were maybe expecting more from the January window and they’re a bit disappointed, but it’s five wins from seven. Villa are three points off the top six now.
"There’s a bit of frustration that they could have done more in the transfer window, but for me, I think they’re in a really good place. The best signing of the season is the manager. He’s transformed the club from top to bottom.
"There’s a lot of control about Villa’s play now and they’re a club in form. To win five in seven is no mean feat.
"They go into this game’s fixture full of confidence. It’s the first Saturday 3pm all season at Villa Park, so the fans are happy with that one, and it should be a good game. I’m expecting a resurgent Leicester side as well, so it should be a good one."