Aston Villa are back in Premier League action on Friday evening as they take on relegation battlers Leeds United on home soil. Unai Emery and his men will be keen to display a vast improvement after their embarrassing FA Cup exit against League Two side Stevenage last weekend.
The Villans made the headlines for all the wrong reasons as a late Leander Dendoncker red card was followed by a converted penalty and some sloppy defending from a corner. Heroics from super substitute Dean Campbell helped Stevenage to a famous Third Round victory as the away fans were sent into raptures.
Leeds also struggled against a lower-division opposition last time out but they still did far better than Villa as the Lilywhites came back from 2-1 down to earn a replay against Cardiff City. Jesse Marsch’s side are just two points above the relegation zone ahead of Friday’s game at Villa Park, so they will be just as eager to get three points on the board.
Villa made their first January addition this week as Alex Moreno put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year contract, signing from Real Betis for around £13.3 million. He is available to play against Leeds, so Emery has a big decision to make. With that in mind, here is the starting XI we predict the Lions will go with on Friday. See below.
1. GK: Emiliano Martinez
The World Cup winner is undoubtedly Villa’s number one between the sticks.
2. LB: Lucas Digne
Perhaps lucky to stay in with his form of late, but with Cash and Augustinsson not fit, Digne can perhaps right his wrongs.
3. CB: Tyrone Mings
One of the first names on the teamsheet; gets his place back after a much-needed rest last weekend.
4. CB: Ezri Konsa
Currently Villa’s second-best fit centre half in our view, and should keep his place in the XI. This could soon change, however, with Carlos likely to be back next month.