4-2-3-1: How Aston Villa could line-up vs Leeds at Elland Road

Aston Villa travel to take on Leeds United, and the Villains will be eager to continue their fine run of form that has seen them surge up the Premier League table.

Villa started this season poorly but have climbed up the table and are within a point of fifth place, thanks to eight wins in their last 10 matches (L2).

However, Villa’s opponents are at home, eerily close to the relegation zone, and will be desperate not to suffer defeat at the hands of the Birmingham-based club.

Leeds will also be eager to turn the tide after losing two in a row before the international break.

Nevertheless, Villa have not lost to Leeds in their last five clashes, winning three and drawing two.

Leeds have not beaten the Villains at Elland Road since 2016.

Villa will be looking to capitalise on Leeds’ defensive frailties, which have seen them fail to keep a clean sheet in their last eight games.

Meanwhile, Leeds have not beaten a Premier League side in the top 10 since October 2022. All of their last seven wins have come against clubs 13th or lower.

October 2022 was also the last time that a newly-promoted team beat the visitors in the Premier League.

The Villains have since gone unbeaten in all 17 matches against top-half teams, winning 13 of them, setting up a fascinating clash.

Team news

Unfortunately, the Villans have lost players to injuries over the international break, while Leeds players returned fit and ready to go.

The Villains are sweating on the fitness of Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash, Lamare Bogarde, and Amadou Onana.

The Belgian, who is reportedly on £175k per week, is touch-and-go for the Leeds clash.

Thankfully, manager Unai Emery could have Andres Garcia back in contention for the game. The 22-year-old has been out since August.

Tyrone Mings remains out of the picture until 2026 with a hamstring problem.

Aston Villa predicted starting line-up