Emi Buendia must take initiative for Aston Villa after what happened last time around vs Leeds
Aston Villa will once again call upon Emi Buendia for inspiration against Leeds United.
Buendia has been superb for Villa this season and has managed to force himself into Unai Emery’s plans after seemingly being on his way out in the summer.
The attacking midfielder was so nearly sold, with Leeds showing an interest in Buendia in the summer, but a deal never went through at Villa Park.
Villa are now preparing to face Leeds away at Elland Road as the Villans look to continue their winning ways after the international break.
The away side are likely to look to Buendia with the hope he can shine again, especially after what he did last time he faced the Whites.
Emi Buendia scored against Leeds United last time out
Leeds are set to play host to Villa in the Premier League after the two sides have gone two years without facing each other.
The Yorkshire outfit were relegated in 2023 and took two seasons to earn promotion from the Championship after losing a play-off final in their first campaign back in the second tier.
Daniel Farke managed to secure promotion and the league title last season, but is coming under increased pressure in LS11.
It was a somewhat similar story for Jesse Marsch the last time Villa faced Leeds, as the Whites travelled to B6 and suffered a 2-1 defeat.
Leon Bailey scored the opener before Buendia went on to score the eventual winner, but not after referee Michael Oliver had ruled his header out for offside.
The Argentine has endured a difficult period since his goal against Leeds, but is now in arguably the best form of his Villa career.
It could prove to be the perfect chance to prove himself by performing at a top level again against Leeds on Sunday.
Buendia can maintain excellent Aston Villa form
Villa beat Bournemouth 4-0 in their last Premier League outing and will be keen to keep that level of showing up at Elland Road.
Buendia played a key role in B6 and got the scoring going with a stunning free kick from the edge of the box, before Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley and Donyell Malen went on to score.
The 28-year-old featured across 71 minutes against the Cherries and had a telling attacking impact, taking three shots while taking three touches in the opposition penalty area and completing 100 per cent of his attempted long balls.
His action wasn’t only in attacking areas, as he also chipped in with 11 defensive actions and six successful ground duels, summing up his work rate.
Should he continue that against Leeds, he could once again prove to be the difference between one point and three for the Villans.
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