Aston Villa predicted XI vs Leeds United: Emery eyes first league double over Whites since 2000 | OneFootball

Aston Villa return home on Saturday afternoon, determined to respond to FA Cup disappointment by strengthening their grip on a top-four place.

Unai Emery’s side were knocked out of the cup last weekend, but he has made it clear that the Premier League remains the priority.

Sitting third with 50 points from 26 matches, Villa are firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification and could move closer to the summit with another home victory.

Leeds arrive encouraged by steady progress under Daniel Farke and buoyed by a strong run of form since December.

Match preview

Villa claimed a 2-1 win at Elland Road in November and are now unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings with Leeds (W4, D2).

The Villains are also looking to complete their first top-flight double over the Whites since 1999/00.

Villa have been ruthlessly efficient under Emery against promoted sides, going unbeaten in all 18 league matches (W14, D4).

Goals have been in short supply of late. Just seven have been scored across Villa’s last six league games, a sharp contrast to the free-scoring run that preceded it.

Their recent 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion underlined their ability to grind out results, even if performances have not always sparkled.

However, Leeds are no pushovers. Since the start of December, only Manchester City and Manchester United have lost fewer league matches (two).

The problem has been turning draws into wins. They have seven in that timeframe.

Their dramatic 2-2 comeback at Chelsea last time out showcased resilience, but away form remains a concern.

Leeds have won just one of their last 18 Premier League matches on the road, although five of their last six away games have ended level.

Team news

The Villains are without Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Alysson, while Marco Bizot serves a suspension.

The ‘versatile‘ Matty Cash is expected to return at right-back after missing the last two games.

Leeds are missing Noah Okafor through a hamstring injury, but Pascal Struijk, Anton Stach and Daniel James are available after recovering from setbacks.

Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Ian Maatsen; Amadou Onana, Douglas Luiz; Jadon Sancho, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Buendia; Ollie Watkins.