Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 28.
Philippe Coutinho (AVL)
With a direct goal involvement once every 87 minutes since joining Aston Villa on loan, Coutinho has taken no time at all to regain his status as one of the Premier League's leading lights.
TV Info
The Brazilian made an instant impact when scoring off the bench in a 2-2 comeback draw with Manchester United on his Villa debut, and has continued to impress.
Out of possession, Coutinho plays his part in Villa's pressing game, while on the ball he supplies a fresh dimension that only a player of his talent can offer.
The 29-year-old is capable of opening up space with a dribble, is a master at the through-ball, delivers quality from set-pieces, and loves to burst into the area to fire off shots on goal.
No Villa player has scored or made goals at a faster rate this term, and across the division since his arrival, only Harry Kane and Bruno Fernandes have conjured up higher levels of end product.
PL goal involvements since 15 Jan
| Player | Apps | Goals | Assists | Goals and assists |
| Harry Kane | 8 | 6 | 2 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Fernandes | 9 | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Philippe Coutinho | 7 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Kevin De Bruyne | 6 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Ivan Toney | 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
Initially, Steven Gerrard deployed his former team-mate on the left of his forward line in a 4-3-3 formation, but he has since switched Coutinho to a more orthodox No 10 role.
Following disappointing defeats by Newcastle United and Watford the Villa head coach reverted to a 4-4-2 diamond with Coutinho at the tip, operating behind strikers Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.
Diamond switch
Within that system he makes a lot of supporting runs for the forwards, but Coutinho also drops deeper to create 4v3 overloads, or release another midfielder to make a forward run.
In this position, Coutinho enjoyed some sublime moments in Villa's 2-0 success at Brighton & Hove Albion, but during Saturday's 4-0 home win over Southampton, he was outstanding.
He made a clever late run into the box before laying off a delicate assist for Douglas Luiz and also sent Matty Cash clear down the right, with a magnificent pass in the lead up to Ings' strike.
The Brazilian had four shots himself in the match and deservedly got among the goals when he wriggled free inside the box to score early in the second half.
Coutinho's goal v Southampton
4️⃣ games. 3️⃣ goals. 3️⃣ assists.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 8, 2022
Philippe Coutinho at Villa Park. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QSX9M1q8HH
Coutinho will be full of confidence ahead of Villa's trip to Leeds United.
Even if he does occupy a free role behind the strikers at Elland Road, Coutinho is more likely to float to the left of centre.
Leeds have conceded 21 goals in in their last six matches, but only narrowly lost to Leicester City in Jesse Marsch's first match in charge.
The Yorkshire side are aiming for greater solidity to halt their slide down the table but Villa, who shared a 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture last month, will expect to prise open their defence.
Lively attack
Their front three are sharp, in good form and will be capable of causing problems using their skill and movement within the 4-4-2 diamond.
Coutinho will be tasked with getting into scoring positions as often as possible and Leeds will need to be alive to the threat of a playmaker who scored and assisted twice against them last month and is averaging 3.1 shots per 90 minutes.
If Leeds fail to deal with Coutinho, he could well be on course for another productive meeting against them.
