The Premier League returns this weekend after the international break, and Leeds United, struggling lower down the league standings, must turn things around against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon. Daniel Farke’s future is hanging by a thread, and the German boss has to find an answer against the in-form Villans before clashing heads with Chelsea and Manchester City.
Despite hosting Unai Emery’s men at Elland Road, Leeds won’t find it easy, having lost four of their past five league games. Villa, on the contrary, have won four and only lost to Liverpool at Anfield. They continue to fight for a place in Europe, whereas the newly-promoted Whites must focus on escaping relegation and make the most of their home advantage throughout the season.
Predicted 4-3-3 Leeds United Lineup To Face Aston Villa
Defence
After a brief injury spell, Lucas Perri is now back between the sticks, reclaiming his ‘number 1’ status from Karl Darlow. The Brazilian has conceded three goals each against Brighton and Nottingham Forest in back-to-back games, and it remains to be seen how he responds to Villa’s attacking threats.
Farke has mostly fielded a stable ‘back four’, with Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson being the preferred fullback options over James Justin and Sam Byram. Joe Rodon is irreplaceable in deep defence due to his towering presence and leadership traits. However, the manager has dropped Pascal Struijk of late in favour of summer signing Jaka Bijol in the heart of the backline.
Midfield
Leeds United have several talented midfielders who impressed last season en route to clinching the Championship crown. But the skipper, Ethan Ampadu, is the only name to retain his first-team status deep down the midfield. Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev have lost their spots to Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, and the new arrivals from Hoffenheim and Newcastle United must exhibit their mastery as ‘number 8s’, as well as offer a creative spark in and around the Villa box.
Attack
Attack continues to be the concern for the Peacocks, with misfiring forwards spearheading the frontline. Lukas Nmecha should keep his place over Dominic Calvert-Lewin after finding the net against Forest. Also, Brendan Aaronson, predominantly a ‘number 10’, is expected to continue from the right, having impressed as a makeshift wide attacker during Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto’s injury absence. The latter has yet to return to full fitness, and Farke, therefore, would rely on Noah Okafor, the former AC Milan attacker, who joined the Yorkshire side late in the summer window.
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