Villa Boss Makes Tactical Adjustment for Leeds Trip
Unai Emery has confirmed his Aston Villa starting lineup for today's Premier League encounter against Leeds United at Elland Road. The Villa manager has implemented one strategic change from the side that comprehensively defeated Bournemouth 4-0 before the international break.
Team News: Tielemans In, Onana Out
The sole alteration sees Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans enter the first eleven. He directly replaces compatriot Amadou Onana, who is unavailable for selection due to injury. In a further squad development, Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott has been completely left out of the matchday squad.
Between the posts, World Cup winner Emi Martinez retains his position as goalkeeper. The defensive line in front of him remains unchanged, consisting of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne.
In midfield, Boubacar Kamara is set to partner the incoming Tielemans in the crucial double pivot role. The attacking impetus will be provided by the trio of John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, and Emi Buendia, who will operate behind lone striker Ollie Watkins.
Historical Context Favours Villans
Villa will be drawing confidence from their recent record against today's opponents. Leeds are currently winless in their last five Premier League meetings with Villa, dating back to an October 2020 victory. Furthermore, Aston Villa have been defeated just once in their previous eleven top-flight away fixtures at Leeds, a 3-1 loss that occurred all the way back in May 2003 under the management of Graham Taylor.
Aston Villa starting XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Buendia, Rogers, Watkins.
Substitutes: Bizot, Lindelof, Bogarde, Barkley, Maatsen, Hemmings, Malen, Sancho, Guessand.
