Aston Villa Aim for Sixth Win in Seven Games
Aston Villa return to Premier League action this weekend with a challenging away fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road. Under Unai Emery's guidance, Villa have been in impressive form, having secured five victories from their last six league matches against Fulham, Burnley, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Bournemouth.
Their only recent setback came against Liverpool, making this match crucial for maintaining their strong momentum. The clash presents an opportunity for Villa to claim their sixth win in seven Premier League outings.
Team News and Selection Dilemmas
Unai Emery faces several important selection decisions ahead of the Leeds encounter. In goal, Emi Martinez is expected to start, providing stability behind what could be a defensive line of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne.
There are some fitness concerns, however. Konsa recently withdrew from the England squad due to calf tightness, with Emery scheduled to provide a definitive update on Friday. Meanwhile, Matty Cash was rested by Poland because of training discomfort, though he remained on the bench.
In midfield, Youri Tielemans appears likely to partner Boubacar Kamara, potentially replacing Amadou Onana who missed Belgium's match against Liechtenstein as a precautionary measure.
Attack and Opposition Context
The attacking trio is expected to feature Ollie Watkins leading the line, supported by Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia. John McGinn is anticipated to operate from the right side, adding creativity and work rate to Villa's forward movements.
Leeds United present a contrasting picture, sitting just one point above the relegation zone after suffering six losses this season. However, they have proven resilient at home, having been defeated only once in their last five league matches at Elland Road.
Historically, Villa have enjoyed success in this fixture, remaining unbeaten in their last five Premier League encounters with Leeds. Their record at Elland Road is particularly strong, with just one defeat in their previous eleven top-flight visits.
Predicted Aston Villa XI vs Leeds: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins.
