Aston Villa are looking to return to winning ways as they meet Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday. It is a crucial mid-table clash in the Premier League, with the visitors hoping to retain their advantage over their weekend opponents. A defeat, however, could see the Whites overtake them in the league table, although the Villans do have a couple of games in hand.
Predicted Aston Villa Lineup Vs Leeds United
Defence
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith will have to continue without the services of key right-back Matty Cash due to his hamstring injury. His absence should once again pave the way for Ahmed Elmohamady to feature at right-back, while Matt Targett is a guaranteed starter on the opposite flank, where he will have to deal with the threat of Raphinha.
Smith has absolutely no reason to tinker with his tried and tested central defensive unit of Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings. However, the duo should brace themselves for a much tougher test than they faced in the reverse fixture, with Leeds now looking stronger following Raphinha’s rapid rise to prominence and Ezgjan Alioski providing additional support going forward.
Emiliano Martinez should continue in goal for Aston Villa as the former Arsenal man searches for a clean sheet after conceding three goals in the reverse fixture.
Midfield
The central midfield unit also picks itself for Aston Villa, with John McGinn and Douglas Luiz highly expected to continue in the double-pivot. New January signing Morgan Sanson is an option should Smith look for more creative essence in the middle of the park, while Marvelous Nakamba could provide solidity in the number six role.
Elsewhere in midfield, Ross Barkley is another guaranteed starter in his number ten role. It will be interesting to see whether Smith takes the on-loan Chelsea star off, to provide Sanson with some game-time in the second half.
Attack
Jack Grealish remains a doubt for Aston Villa heading into this game, meaning the Villans may once again have to rely on the services of Anwar El Ghazi on the left flank while Bertrand Traore should continue on the right-hand channel. Trezeguet is a potential alternative for Dean Smith in the wider attacking positions.
And finally, the Aston Villa attack is likely to be spearheaded by Ollie Watkins as the former Brentford star hopes for better fortunes against Leeds United this time out.
