Unai Emery leaves out Matty Cash and star man after update – Aston Villa predicted XI vs Leeds United
Aston Villa are set to travel to face Leeds United in a return to Premier League action on Sunday.
Leeds are preparing to welcome Villa to Elland Road as both are ready for a return to club action after the final international break of 2025.
Unai Emery oversaw victory last time around as Villa secured a 4-0 win over Bournemouth to continue a superb run of form at Villa Park.
Daniel Farke wasn’t so lucky as the Whites fell to a 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest, with Leeds now set to face off against Villa.
The newly promoted outfit will be keen to get back to winning ways, while the Villans could make it four wins from five in all competitions, but they may have to do so without Matty Cash.
Aston Villa could be without Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa vs Leeds United
The international break hasn’t been particularly kind to Emery and Co., even with Emi Martinez being rested from the Argentina squad.
The keeper looks set to start once again for Villa against Leeds and follow up from his three saves against Bournemouth, with Pau Torres and Lucas Digne likely to keep their places in the side.
Defence may still represent a concern away at Elland Road, with Ezri Konsa and Cash both suffering injuries during the international break.
Konsa missed out for England against Albania, while the much-improved Cash was confirmed to have picked up an issue while away with Poland.
Their problems are unclear at this stage, but there is a chance that Emery opts against taking a risk and backs Victor Lindelof and Lamare Bogarde to step into the starting XI.
The young Dutchman dropped out of the Netherlands under-21 squad, but after a longer recovery period, he could prove to be ready ahead of his Polish counterpart.
Konsa’s absence could prove to be a massive blow as he keeps Villa ticking while being a stunning defender.
He maintained an 83 per cent pass accuracy and also completed the most passes on the pitch against Bournemouth as he also contributed four defensive actions and two duel wins.
Amadou Onana is another who stunned against the Cherries before appearing to pick up an issue in national team training.
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans could be set for his first start since September, replacing Onana, alongside Boubacar Kamara in LS11.
Evann Guessand could start vs Leeds United
Emi Buendia has been a star in claret and blue this season, but with the potential defensive frailties down the right, if Lindelof and Bogarde start, Evann Guessand would provide additional cover.
The Ivory Coast international won 100 per cent of his duels and completed one recovery as a late substitute against Bournemouth last time around, showcasing his work rate down the flank.
He could come in on the wing to accompany John McGinn and Morgan Rogers in the attacking midfield area at Elland Road.
The latter did pick up an injury with England, but featured against Albania, so it appears to be match fit ahead of a trip to West Yorkshire.
This trio may have Ollie Watkins to aim for once again, with the striker going into a clash in Yorkshire in desperate need of getting on the scoresheet for the first time in six games.
Emery has a decision to make after Donyell Malen scored over the international break, but he is bound to stick by the Englishman once again.
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