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New Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch hopes his players will be well drilled ahead of Thursday’s clash with Aston Villa, having named the three stars his side will look to keep quiet.

The American is gearing up for his first home match in charge when Villa travel to Elland Road for a crucial game on Thursday. The Whites need the win to ease their relegation fears; as it stands they are just two points clear of the drop zone.

The two sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw just a matter of weeks ago. A lot has changed since then with Leeds axing Marcelo Bielsa for Marsch.

However, Marsch knows exactly what to expect from Thursday’s opponents, naming their three dangermen in the process.

“I will be shocked if they don’t play with a diamond,” Marsch stated. “[Philippe] Coutinho has been good. [Danny] Ings and [Ollie] Watkins have been explosive in transition moments. I admire them with their set-pieces, their creativity means we have to be alert and ready for any special plays they might organise.

“We will need our fans, a good start, certainly one of the goals will be to find a way to get the lead.

“I think we painted a picture as to what to expect from the game as to what our tactics are and what we want to achieve.”

Coutinho was a major thorn in Leeds’ side when the two sides last met. Now the American will be hoping his players can prevent the Brazilian magician from pulling the strings once again.

“We discussed this will be a focus of how we address the game. It’s always important to identify the strengths of a team and what makes a difference. It’ll be important to make it tight for him, not to give him much room, to be aggressive with him,” he said.

“He works for the team but he’s also clever to not commit too hard to some of his defensive responsibilities. So, when the ball turns over, he can be ready to counter-attack – we have to be ready for that.

“Steven’s right – he is a quality player, for Villa to get their hands on them is a game-changer!”

Jesse Marsch ready for Gerrard meeting

Marsch admits he’s looking forward to pitting his wits against Steven Gerrard, having admired him as a player for many years.

“I would start with first talking about watching him as a player with Liverpool. He was a player I admired because of his passion and will on the pitch.

“I think for a manager like him he’s trying to use those qualities to transmit to his team and that’s clear. I can relate with that. Maybe I was nowhere near the quality as a player, but I try to embody full mentality on the pitch.

“I appreciate what he has said, we played against LA, I think we won 3-2 with a late penalty. He scored in that game.

“LA is the jewel of MLS and the superstars they’ve had there with [David] Beckham and countless other guys. The games there always had energy.”

READ MORE: Marsch reveals triple injury boost as Leeds boss hits out at reaction to on-pitch huddle

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