Quick starters, midfield advantage and more: OPTA look at the numbers behind #LEEAVL | OneFootball

As Leeds United prepare to host Aston Villa on Sunday, Daniel Farke’s side will be looking to turn Elland Road into a platform for a pivotal Premier League result.

Despite recent form, our friends at OPTA Stats have gone through the numbers — revealing several reasons for optimism among the home supporters.

1. LEEDS ARE THE PREMIER LEAGUE’S QUICKEST STARTERS

Leeds have scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches than any other side this season, with three early strikes - joint-most in the division - highlighting a team that enters games with sharpness and intent, often catching opponents cold.

The importance of that fast start is magnified at Elland Road, where Leeds feed off the home crowd’s intensity. With Villa conceding three goals in the opening quarter-hour themselves, Leeds’ early-game sharpness could prove a decisive advantage.

2. RODON AMONG THE LEAGUE’S MOST DOMINANT AT CORNERS

Only Erling Haaland (11) has won more attacking first contacts at corners than Joe Rodon, whose tally of ten places him second in the Premier League. It is a standout figure for a centre-back and a clear indicator of Leeds’ set-piece threat.

Rodon’s presence isn’t just about winning duels - it also forces opposition defences into errors and unsettles goalkeepers. In a match where margins may be tight, his aerial dominance could offer Leeds a crucial advantage in both penalty boxes.

3. STRONGEST ATTACKING NUMBERS AT ELLAND ROAD

Leeds’ highest shots tally (21) and one of their best xG performances (2.1) this season came in their home win over Everton. That match showcased what the side can produce with the energy of Elland Road behind them.

The Everton victory also demonstrated Leeds’ ability to control a match at home, where possession, creativity and tempo were all superior. With Villa visiting a notoriously hostile ground, that capacity for home dominance could be reignited.

4. LIMITING DAMAGE FROM KEY DEFENSIVE SCENARIOS

Leeds have conceded just three headed goals and only one from a direct free-kick this season - solid defensive figures relative to the Premier League landscape. It indicates strong organisation in moments where concentration is vital.

These numbers become even more significant given Aston Villa’s reputation for exploiting set plays and crosses. Leeds’ aerial discipline ensures that Villa’s wide threats may find less joy in the areas they often target most.

5. FARKE'S SIDE HOLD A PHYSICAL ADVANTAGE IN MIDFIELD

Leeds win 49% of their duels - noticeably stronger than Villa’s 45.5%. Over the course of a high-intensity fixture, that physical edge in 50/50 moments can swing momentum significantly.

With Ethan Ampadu and Jaka Bijol among the league’s more combative presences, Leeds’ ability to disrupt play may unsettle Villa’s rhythm. In a midfield battle, the numbers suggest Leeds are better placed to come out on top.

6. WHITES SHOW RESILIENCE WHEN FALLING BEHIND THIS SEASON

Leeds have already recorded a comeback victory this season, overturning a deficit to beat Wolves 3-1 away on 20 September. This demonstrates that, even when the game state turns against them, Daniel Farke’s side retain the belief and structure to respond positively.

They are also one of only a handful of Premier League teams to have taken points both from a losing position and from matches where they conceded first. With one comeback win and one comeback draw in the current campaign, the numbers point to a Leeds team capable of fighting back under pressure.

7. LAST PREMIER LEAGUE WIN OVER VILLA SHOWS WINNING BLUEPRINT

Leeds’ last league victory over Aston Villa was an emphatic 3-0 away win - proof that the Whites can find a formula that works against this opponent. Even in recent years, Villa have struggled when Leeds find attacking fluency.

That 3-0 performance included intense pressing, efficient finishing and strong defensive organisation - themes that align closely with Leeds’ positive statistical traits this season. It is a reminder that the matchup suits them more than form suggests.