After a welcome break, Leeds United are set to resume their campaign on Wednesday when they lock horns with Aston Villa at Villa Park. The Whites are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, which ended a run of a two-game winning streak. The visitors will be keen on rekindling that winning momentum up against Steven Gerrard’s spirited Aston Villa side who had a busy January transfer window.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs Aston Villa
Defence
Despite the winter hiatus, Marcelo Bielsa is once again set to miss out on the services of key defensive players in Liam Cooper and Junior Firpo. But on a bright note, Charlie Cresswell has been declared fit heading into this encounter, although Pascal Struijk is likely to be preferred to the youngster this midweek.
The Dutchman is hoping to renew his central defensive partnership alongside Diego Lloris at the heart of the four-man Leeds United backline. They are set to be aided by the two fullbacks in Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas, who is deputising for the injured Firpo.
Meanwhile, Illan Meslier remains a guaranteed starter in between the sticks for Leeds United. The young Frenchman is aiming for his first clean sheet since early December.
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Midfield
Leeds United may still have to deal with the absence of star player Kalvin Phillips due to injury. However, Adam Forshaw is back in contention after recovering from his hamstring problem.
The Englishman’s return could see him occupy the advanced midfield slot alongside Mateusz Klich, with Robin Koch accompanying them in a slightly defensive role. The German’s ability to read the game, coupled with his imposing figure, could be critical in breaking up the flow of the Aston Villa midfield that packs enough quality to cause trouble for the opposition.
Attack
As for the attack, Bielsa will have to deal with the absence of his main goalscorer Patrick Bamford. Daniel James has been the one to deputise for the ex-Chelsea starlet and there will be no exception against Aston Villa this midweek.
James is set to be accompanied by the wide-attacking duo of Jack Harrison and Raphinha, although in Tyler Roberts, Joe Gelhardt and Rodrigo Moreno, Bielsa has no shortage of attacking alternatives.
