At a time when Palace only sit above the relegation zone on goal difference, Patrick Vieira will be far from satisfied with his team’s current position in the table.
However, there will be a sense of perspective with last weekend’s dramatic 2-1 defeat to Chelsea their fourth game with a ‘big six’ side in their opening seven fixtures.
The Eagles also had every reason to feel hard done by as Conor Gallagher came back to haunt his former club, but the pressure now switches with the London outfit having a run of more favourable fixtures.
Being just six points adrift of the top six, Vieira will feel that there is an opportunity to get back into contention, although their upcoming opponents face the same scenario ahead of the World Cup.
While Palace have conceded just six goals in four home games this campaign, they are yet to keep a clean sheet, and that is something which will not be lost on Leeds.
The Yorkshire giants have lost their way since outplaying Chelsea on August 21, collecting just two points from their following four matches.
With those fixtures being against Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton, Brentford and Crystal Palace, head coach Jesse Marsch knows that an opportunity has been lost when it comes to establishing themselves in the top half of the standings.
Instead, Leeds sit just three points clear of opponents who can move ahead of them with a two-goal victory, highlighting that Marsch’s side are at somewhat of a crossroads.
Keeping a clean sheet with 10 men against Aston Villa should be viewed as a point gained, particularly by a team which had previously conceded five times at Brentford.
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Leeds head into this encounter having failed to win away from Elland Road this season, their only point coming at Southampton after they had previously held a two-goal advantage.
Palace have issues in defence with Nathaniel Clyne having suffered an ankle injury against Chelsea last week.
That came after Joachim Andersen had suffered a calf issue, but only Clyne is expected to miss out with the latter having made good progress with his recovery.
With Palace having performed well versus Chelsea, Vieira may retain the same midfield and attack.
