Aston Villa return to Premier League action with an eye on the title race after their FA Cup campaign came to an abrupt end last weekend, with all three goals in a 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle conceded in the second half following goalkeeper Marco Bizot’s red card.
Unai Emery has been at pains to stress that the cup was never the priority; but Villa will want a swift response, and the visit of Leeds United provides an excellent opportunity.
The Villans sit third in the table with 50 points and could close to within five of leaders Arsenal, who dropped points at Wolves in midweek. Emery has never lost a Premier League game against a promoted side in nearly three and a half years in charge.
Leeds arrive having navigated their way to the FA Cup fifth round through a penalty shootout win over Birmingham City. On paper they are comfortably the underdog, sitting 15th with 30 points, but their form since December makes them a side nobody should take lightly. Daniel Farke’s side have lost just twice in their last 13 league games.
Here’s how they shape up.
Aston Villa team news
Villa welcome Matty Cash back from a knee injury and he is expected to start at right-back. However, there remains a lengthy absentee list – Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Alysson are all out with knee problems, while Harvey Elliott is also unavailable. Bizot’s suspension means Emiliano Martinez returns in goal.
Villa XI: Emiliano Martínez, Ian Maatsen, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash, Amadou Onana, Douglas Luiz, Emiliano Buendía, Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins
Leeds team news
Leeds are without Noah Okafor (hamstring) but have Pascal Struijk, Anton Stach and Daniel James all back in the squad.
Leeds XI: Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Ethan Ampadu, Gabriel Gudmundsson, James Justin, Brenden Aaronson, Anton Stach, Ilia Gruev, Jayden Bogle, Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Where to watch Aston Villa v Leeds United
This match kicks off at 3pm and is not available to watch live in the UK due to the Saturday afternoon blackout. Highlights will be shown on Match of the Day on BBC One from 10.30pm.
