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.
9. RM: Morgan Sanson
Probably Villa’s best player against Stevenage as he scored his first goal for the club. Was subbed off before the visitors turned things around. Jacob Ramsey remains touch and go. | Getty Images
10. ST (shadow): Emiliano Buendia
Showed promising signs in advanced positions of late and we think Emery will put him alongside Watkins to begin with. Leon Bailey has struggled for confidence and this is a huge match. | Getty Images
11. ST: Ollie Watkins
Not been at his best of late but has the opportunity to redeem himself. Leeds struggle with players running through the channels; Watkins should be able to penetrate their back line. | Getty Images