Aston Villa vs Leeds United – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·21 February 2026

Aston Villa vs Leeds United – Predicted lineup and team news

Aston Villa host Leeds United at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon as they aim to continue their push for a top-four finish.

The Villans have moved into a strong position, currently sitting third in the Premier League table with 50 points. Manager Unai Emery oversaw a narrow 1–0 home victory over Brighton in their last league outing, reinforcing their status as Champions League contenders. Notably, Villa are unbeaten in their last six matches against Leeds and are looking to complete their first league double over the Whites since the 1999–2000 season.

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Aston Villa Team News

Unai Emery manages a squad bolstered by a significant defensive return but still missing key midfield components. Notably, Matty Cash is available again after missing the last two matches with a minor knee injury. Consequently, he could return to the starting XI at right-back. However, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, and Boubacar Kamara all remain sidelined. Marco Bizot is suspended after his red card in the FA Cup, so Emiliano Martínez will start between the sticks.

Emiliano Martínez will likely start behind a back four likely featuring Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Ian Maatsen. In midfield, Amadou Onana and Douglas Luiz will anchor the side. Morgan Rogers—who scored both goals in the 2–1 victory over Leeds earlier this season—is expected to start in the creative number ten role. He will be supported by Jadon Sancho and Emiliano Buendía on the flanks, with Ollie Watkins leading the line as he seeks to add to his eight league goals this term.