Dean Smith’s Aston Villa are fighting for survival in the Premier League whilst Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United are pushing hard to win promotion to the top-flight.
Former Villa and Chelsea player Tony Cascarino feels both clubs have a lot in common in regards to stature and support.
The pundit also feels that both clubs are of a Premier League level.
When speaking on Talksport’s Weekend Sports Breakfast on Sunday morning about whether Villa deserve to be in the Premier League, Cascarino said:
Yes, they do. I feel it’s a bit like Leeds. A club of that stature that can get 35/40+ thousand and can go to the Premier League.
I think they bring a lot to the table when they are a Premier League team. And I think it would be a disastrous for Villa [if they were to get relegated].
READ ASTON VILLA VERDICT
Both teams have had some memorable encounters in recent years, especially last season’s controversial match in April after Bielsa allowed Villa to score an uncontested goal during a 1-1 draw.
We believe Cascarino makes a very valid point about relegation being disastrous for Villa because the club needs stability to help with their financial situation and we also believe it could be disastrous for Leeds if they don’t get promoted because of how close they keep coming every year.
As reported on the Daily Mail, Villa have until the summer to balance the books or could be punished for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
The two sides could meet in league football again if Leeds go up and Villa avoid relegation, or if Leeds remain in the Championship and Villa drop down.
