What an appointment Steven Bruce has turned out to be! The Villans have turned around a corner following the appointment of the former Hull City manager and are currently unbeaten in their last seven games under their new boss. The Midlands club started the season horrendously under Roberto Di Matteo but after parting ways with the Champions League-winning Italian manager, they have never had to look back.
Villa currently sit 11th in the table with 25 points, six points off the final playoff spot. Leeds, on the other hand, are sitting fifth in the table with 29 points. The Midlands Club are on the back of a 3-1 win against Cardiff City on the last weekend and will prove to be a strong opponent for Leeds. This is the first time the two sides are meeting since 2004. They met in the Premier League last time which Villa won 2-0.
Whenever these two sides met each other, it has been a close contest. Leeds have won in 11 out of the 40 meetings while Aston Villa have won 12 times. 17 times, it ended in a stalemate. Here is the predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Leeds United.
Defence
Promising young keeper Pierluigi Gollini is likely to start under the bar. The chemistry between Nathan Baker and James Chester has worked the best for the Midlands side and the two are likely to line up at the heart of the defence.
Alan Hutton and Jordan Amavi are likely to start in the two full-back positions. Aston Villa have a solid strong depth in their squad in defence which is evident when we see the likes of Leandro Bacuna, Aly Cissokho and Tommy Elphick languishing on the bench.
Midfield
Mile Jedinak is clearly an influential member of the side with the steel he brings to midfield. The Aussie’s defensive discipline and decent passing ability make him a key player at Villa Park.
Young Gary Gardner is likely to partner the Aussie in midfield. Ashley Westwood has done well of late in midfield but against Leeds, Villa need more dynamism and therefore, Gardner is likely to be called upon. Jack Grealish is likely to be deployed in the number ten role.
Attack
Jonathan Kodija is enjoying a pretty good run of form this season and should keep his place on the left flank. Ross McCormack is likely to start up front.
Albert Adomah could start on the right flank and will be looking to keep impressing. His pace and directness will cause problems to the Leeds defence.
