Aston Villa vs Leeds Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Aston Villa are pushing towards UEFA Champions League qualification as they now welcome an in-form Leeds United to Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday afternoon.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – NBC
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – Peacock
Aston Villa preview: Impressive Villans
Aston Villa come into this one on the back of a 3-1 defeat at home to Newcastle United in the fourth round of the FA Cup last weekend. That may well aid Unai Emery’s side as they challenge for a top three finish in the Premier League and battle in Europe.
In the league, it has been an awkward start to the calendar year for the Villans with frustrating defeats at home to both Everton and Brentford pegging them back when they did appear primed to launch towards the title race.
Leeds preview: In-form Leeds
Daniel Farke was under pressure immediately after leading Leeds United to the Championship title this season but, with just two defeats in their last 15 matches across all competitions.
In their most recent outing, Leeds managed to edge past second-tier Birmingham City on penalties in the fourth round of the FA Cup, backing up coming from 2-0 down to share a 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa team news: Cash fit but Bizot suspended
Matty Cash was a major injury doubt but the Poland international has returned to training this week and so should be involved but Marco Bizot is now missing through suspension.
They have plenty of other injury issues to worry about, too, with midfield absentees including Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and captain John McGinn.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Luiz, Onana; Sancho, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins
Unavailable: Bizot (Suspended), Garcia (Injured), Kamara (Injured), Tielemans (Injured), McGinn (Injured), Alysson (Fitness)
Questionable: Cash (Fitness)
Leeds team news: No Okafor
In his pre-match press conference, Leeds boss Daniel Farke confirmed that Anton Stach has returned to full fitness alongside both Pascal Struijk and Daniel James.
However, Noah Okafor, who has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Elland Road, is now unavailable for the Whites due to a hamstring issue.
Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Perri; Justin, Rodon, Struijk; Bogle, Gruev, Ampadu, Gudmundsson; Aaronson; Nmecha, Calvert-Lewin
Unavailable: Stach (Injured)
Questionable:
Aston Villa vs Leeds prediction
With home advantage, Aston Villa will be expected to dictate and dominate most of this game, especially with their home advantage. However, the three-at-the-back and counter-attacking system of Frank and his Leeds side in recent weeks has made the visitors a threat in pretty much every game and so, while Villa remain favourites, Leeds will believe they still have a chance.
Aston Villa vs Leeds tip: Aston Villa to win & both teams to score
