With four wins from four, Aston Villa have enjoyed the absolute dream start to the new Premier League season.

Dean Smith's side sit second in the table and only behind table-toppers Everton by one point, although the Toffees have played one game more. On Friday night, they have the chance to go straight to the summit however, as they welcome newly-promoted Leeds United.

The Whites have had an encouraging beginning on their return to English football's top-flight, picking up seven points from five games, including a very creditable draw against Manchester City.

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Marcelo Bielsa's side will be keen to get back to winning ways after tasting defeat last time out to Wolves, but ahead of the game, it's Villa who arguably have the edge - and not just based on recent form.

Leeds confirmed that star midfielder Kalvin Phillips could be out for up to six weeks with a shoulder injury that he picked up against Wolves. The 24-year-old's good form this season saw him earn an England call-up by Gareth Southgate, and will be badly missed by Bielsa.

It means that Villa have the perfect opportunity to make it a stunning five wins from five in the Premier League, and when you look at some of the good fortune the club has had in terms of opposition injuries, you do wonder whether Smith has some kind of lucky touch around him.

First, that 7-2 drubbing of reigning champions Liverpool saw Jurgen Klopp's side play without the likes of Alisson, Thiago and Sadio Mane. Then the hard-fought 1-0 win at Leicester saw Brendan Rodgers deprived of both Jamie Vardy and Caglar Soyuncu, whilst James Maddison could only come off the bench.

Now, Villa's next opponents have been struck down with an injury blow to one of their key men. Things are all lining up perfectly for Smith as they continue to send shock-waves across the country.