Aston Villa will face off against Leeds United as the two sides return to action in the Premier League at Villa Park on Wednesday.
The Villans have won just two out of their last five league games but headed into the mid-season break with a 1-0 away success over Everton. Steven Gerrard will want his side to go on a winning run starting from the game on Wednesday against the Whites.
Leeds United have not had an easy season in the top-flight chiefly due to a myriad of injury problems and fitness concerns. They are 15th in the table and have struggled for consistency throughout the campaign.
Aston Villa vs Leeds United—Team News
Aston Villa
Steven Gerrard confirmed in his pre-match presser that Leo Bailey and Bertrand Traore will not be available to face Leeds United, while Marvelous Nakamba is a long-term casualty. Besides the trio, Aston Villa have a fully fit squad.
Matchday at Villa Park. ✨ #AVLLEE pic.twitter.com/ehLoFSltik
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 9, 2022
Emiliano Martinez will continue in goal, with Ezri Konsa pairing up with Tyrone Mings at the heart of Villa’s defence. Matty Cash and Lucas Digne should retain their full-back spots.
Douglas Luiz will sit the deepest of the three-man midfield system, guarding the Villa backline and breaking the lines with his passing skills. The energetic duo of John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey will be tasked to get into the opposition’s box as much as they can, whilst supporting the forwards.
Ollie Watkins will spearhead the Aston Villa attack as he looks to regain his lost mojo. The England international will be flanked by Philippe Coutinho and Emi Buendia, with Villa banking on the South American duo to provide flair and creativity for breaching the Leeds backline.
Leeds United
Marcelo Bielsa will still be without Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford and Junior Firpo for the trip to Villa Park. But Adam Forshaw, Jamie Shackleton and Charlie Cresswell are all available after recovering from their respective injury issues to hand Leeds a triple injury boost.
Illan Meslier is a certainty in the Leeds goal. A back four Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk, Robin Koch and Stuart Dallas is expected to start in front of the young French goalie.
Adam Forshaw has recovered from injury and will walk back into the starting XI to form a midfield double-pivot alongside Mateusz Klich. The width in the Whites attack will come from the vibrant duo of Jack Harrison and Raphinha.
🤩 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬!
🆚 @AVFCOfficial
💬 #AVLLEE pic.twitter.com/XN1NmpKXmb— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 9, 2022
Rodrigo remains favourites to occupy the advanced midfield role, just behind the main striker Daniel James. In the injury absence of Patrick Bamford, James has often started in the no.9 role and that looks unlikely to change against Aston Villa.
Aston Villa vs Leeds United—Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup (4-3-2-1): Emi Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne; John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey; Emi Buendia, Ollie Watkins, Philippe Coutinho
Leeds United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Illan Meslier; Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk, Robin Koch, Stuart Dallas; Mateusz Klich, Adam Forshaw; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Jack Harrison; Daniel James
Aston Villa vs Leeds United—Key Players
Aston Villa—Philippe Coutinho
What makes Philippe Coutinho such an important asset for the Villans is his ability to create things out of nothing. A set-piece specialist, the Brazilian’s movement and eye for goal from long distances could cause major issues for Bielsa’s men this midweek.
Leeds United—Raphinha
Leeds’ top scorer, Raphinha gives Bielsa’s side the X-factor in attack. The Brazilian wide-man’s brilliance, trickery, flair and dribbling with the ball make him a nightmare to defend against. If the Whites are to get a positive result at Villa Park, they will want him to put in a dazzling performance.
Prediction: Aston Villa 3-2 Leeds United
