What a game we have on our hands on Friday night! Two promotion hopefuls Leeds United and Aston Villa will lock horns with each other in a game that could prove to be crucial for their promotion aspirations. Aston Villa will be looking out for revenge after their defeat to Leeds earlier this month.
The Villans are now 10th in the League table and are six points behind the final playoff spot. Leeds, on the other hand, are fifth with 41 points to their name. Seven points separate the two sides.
Leeds United have been exceptional in their recent games, having won 4 of their last 5 fixtures. They are also on a three-match winning streak which helped them maintain their play-off position. They defeated 10 men Preston North End by a 4-1 margin away from home on Boxing Day and they will hope for an even better performance against a strong side on Thursday evening.
Steve Bruce’s side will be keen to make it three wins in a row but will know that beating Leeds won’t be a straight forward task. Here is the predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Leeds United.
Defence
Promising young keeper Pierluigi Gollini is likely to start under the bar. Skipper James Chester will pair up with Nathan Baker at the heart of the defence. The partnership between them has worked wonders for the Midlands side this season which means that Tommy Elphick will have to sit out once again. Alan Hutton and Jordan Amavi are likely to start in the two full-back positions.
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.
Gary Gardner picked up an injury in the last game and is likely to miss out against Leeds. Ashley Westwood is likely to take the young midfielder’s spot. In-form midfielder Albert Adomah will start on the right flank. Youngster Jack Grealish should get back to the starting XI on the left flank.
Attack
Ross McCormack scored a goal last week against Burton and it seems that the Scotsman is finally coming back to his best. The 30-year-old will start up front against his former club as a secondary forward alongside in-form Jonathan Kodija.
The Ivorian has been excellent for Villa this season since his summer move and will be looking to get his name on the scoresheet.
