Aston Villa predicted XI v Leeds United: Alex Moreno debut, Jacob Ramsey to return
Aston Villa take on Leeds United at Villa Park on Friday evening as Unai Emery looks to get his side back to winning ways after the FA Cup defeat to Stevenage.
The Spaniard is likely to make a number of changes to the team which lost to the League Two side due to some injuries and poor form.
Robin Olsen will almost certainly be dropped back to the bench after being responsible for Stevenage’s late winner at the weekend. This will see Emi Martinez return to the starting lineup in goal for Villa in what will be a much-changed backline.
Calum Chambers and Jan Bednarek struggled in the FA Cup and will be replaced by Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings at the heart of the defence. Matty Cash could keep his place at right back, although there is a chance Ashley Young returns after being preferred by Emery of late.
Alex Moreno completed his move from Real Betis on Wednesday and is in line to make his debut ahead of Lucas Digne in the left-back role. The Daily Mail suggest (12 January) there could well be some doubt over Digne’s future at Villa Park after Moreno’s arrival. Ludwig Augustinsson will likely miss the fixture through injury.
Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara will start as the central midfield partnership, with Jacob Ramsey occupying one of the more advanced roles after returning from injury. Morgan Sanson could well have been in line for a start after his goal in the FA Cup, however, L’Équipe report (11 January) that Montpellier are closing in on a move for the 28-year-old.
With Sanson unlikely to feature, Emi Buendia could come into the side after his impressive performance against Tottenham Hotspur.
Leon Bailey has struggled for form of late and could well make way along with Philippe Coutinho with Ollie Watkins coming back into the side to partner Danny Ings up front.
In other Aston Villa news, Rachel Daly should be played as centre-forward for the Lionesses in 2023 after her stunning campaign in the West Midlands.