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.
5. RB: Ashley Young
Comes in for Matty Cash, who went off holding his thigh against Stevenage and remains a doubt. Young was in good form before Cash came back from Qatar. | AFP via Getty Images
6. CM: Douglas Luiz
Was one of the better players in the shock FA Cup defeat and retains his place. Not in doubt with Leander Dendoncker suspended. | AFP via Getty Images
7. CM: Boubacar Kamara
Becoming a fan favourite very quickly for his high effort levels and his ability to break up the play in midfield. Works well next to Luiz. | Getty Images
8. LM: Alex Moreno
Only signed on Wednesday but is match-ready and we reckon Emery will throw him straight in. It could be interesting seeing Moreno and Digne on the same flank. | Getty Images