Aston Villa have faced some heavy duty teams in the past few games, and their tough set of fixtures are set to continue when they take on current league leaders Leeds United at Villa Park. After a dismal start under Steve Bruce, they have improved under Dean Smith and are currently just three points off the playoff spot.
However, Leeds United are the most in-form team at the moment as they are coming on the back of five back to back wins which have catapulted them on top of the Championship table so Villa’s task would be cut out.
Team News
The major news is that playmaker Jack Grealish is set to be unavailable for this tie as well. Dean Smith has faced some major injury crisis in midfield, but he is likely to be boosted by the returns of Henri Lansbury, Mile Jedinak and Birkir Bjarnason. However, it remains to be seen whether they would be able to start straight away after coming back from injury.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Leeds United
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Orjan Nyland has established himself as the no. 1 in goal for the Villans this season. He is likely to keep his place. Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe has established himself in the team though he needs to pick his performance up against a dynamic United side. James Chester is going to be his other partner in the heart of the defence, and a lot would rest on his shoulders.
Ahmed El-Mohamady is a nailed on starter for the right-back role. Makeshift left-back Alan Hutton will complete the back four.
Midfield
Smith is going to have a significant dilemma in finalising his midfield. We believe Glen Whelan might continue in his defensive midfield role and he would have a tough job ahead against the free-flowing United team. Further up front, summer signing John McGinn is a guaranteed starter, and he too would have to work hard in this game. Smith might opt for Birkir Bjarnason as the other midfielder for his robustness and work rate.
The attacking output from the wide areas is likely to be provided by Ahmed El Ghazi from the right whereas Everton loanee Yannick Bolaise would start from the left.
Attack
Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham has been in a rich vein of form as he has scored 12 goals so far in the Championship. He is once again expected to lead the line for his side.
