Looking to put things right after the embarrassing FA Cup defeat to Stevenage last weekend, Aston Villa host Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United at Villa Park. Here’s how things shape up heading into tonight’s fixture…
THE BUILD UP
Last weekend, Villa were brought back down to earth and humbled by League Two title chasers Stevenage. Morgan Sanson put The Villans a goal up in the first half, but late complacency from Unai Emery’s side saw Leander Dendoncker sent off after conceding a penalty. Jamie Reid would convert the spot kick, before Dean Campbell but The Boro 2-1 up minutes later to book Steve Evans’ side a place in the FA Cup fourth round.
Unai Emery has made it clear that he would like to see a reaction from his players. On preparations at Bodymoor Heath, the former Villarreal boss said: βIβm expecting, every day, the response on the training ground and in our conversations. We arrived two months ago and we are doing some things so quickly β tactically, defensively, being organised.”
Leeds United were seconds away from a cup exit themselves, having gone 2-0 down to Cardiff City inside the opening half an hour last weekend. On loan Villa youngster Jaden Philogene grabbed the game’s opener before former Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo gave The Bluebirds a two goal cushion heading into the break.
Rodrigo grabbed a goal back for Jesse Marsch’s side just past the hour mark and had a chance to double his tally from 12 yards after Joel Bagan’s blatant handball in the area. Cardiff ‘keeper Jak Alnwick would deny the Spaniard, but teenage forward Sonny Perkins would spare Leeds’ blushes and equalise late on to send the tie to a replay at Elland Road.
Villa and Leeds have met already in the Premier League this campaign. The game ended goalless at Elland Road, despite the claret and blue visitors seeing a lot of chances in front of goal and being on top for large spells following Luis Sinisterra’s first-half red card. Unai Emery will look to do what Steven Gerrard couldn’t and take all three points against the Yorkshire based side tonight…
TEAM NEWS
ASTON VILLA
Jacob Ramsey made his first appearance in a Villa shirt since November’s 2-1 victory over Brighton. The midfielder replaced Morgan Sanson in the 67th minute and is in with a chance of starting tonight.
Earlier this week, Unai Emery made his first signing at Aston Villa, welcoming left-back Γlex Moreno to the club. The Spaniard joins from Copa del Rey holders Real Betis for a fee believed to be around Β£13 million and, based on international clearance and permit approval, Emery has said: “maybe he will be in the squad” (for tonight).
Unai Emery has stated that full-back Matty Cash is “a doubt “. The Polish full-back hobbled off after 71 minutes against Stevenage with what looked like a groin injury. Tonight’s game will also come too soon for captain John McGinn who continues to recover from the hamstring strain picked up during the New Years Day victory over Tottenham Hotpsur.
Ludwig Augustinsson will also be unavailable after picking up a knock on Sunday. The Swedish defender could return to his parent club Sevilla later this month, with Unai Emery satisfied at the depth in the left-back position, deeming the 28-year-old surplus to requirements.
Leander Dendoncker is of course suspended for the game after his red card on Sunday evening – the Belgian will be back available for the trip to Southampton next Saturday. Emery also revealed that defender Diego Carlos “is getting better but it will be a month or two before he is with us.”
LEEDS UNITED
Leeds United have an abundance of absentees for their trip to the West Midlands tonight. Jesse Marsch has confirmed that Crysencio Summerville will be missing when the team travel to Villa Park, after picking up an ankle injury. The American head coach also stated that Luis Sinisterra and Stuart Dallas both remain out.
Like Villa, Leeds have utilised the January window to bring in a defensive reinforcement. Maximilian WΓΆber joins for a reported Β£10 million from Austrian side RB Salzburg, where Marsch worked at for a couple years prior to joining RB Leipzig in Germany and eventually Leeds.
Patrick Bamford will be back in the squad after recovering well and training recently. The Whites’ No.9 has struggled frequently with injuries over the last two seasons but will return to the Leeds match day set-up tonight.
Elsewhere, midfielder Adam Forshaw could return to the squad after recovering from a hernia problem, whilst 16-year-old Archie Gray misses out with an ankle injury.
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A BIT ON LEEDS
Despite an impressive start to the season, taking seven points from a possible nine, Leeds have struggled on the whole. A win-less streak between late August and mid October, and poor recent form have The Whites in 14th – just two points off the relegation zone. A lack of consistency and injuries have hindered their campaign, but there is certainly potential within the squad.
Rodrigo, Crysencio Summerville and Tyler Adams, to name a few, have impressed, but Jesse Marsch will hope his whole team can start to perform on a more consistent basis. To begin the year, Leeds came from behind to draw at home to fellow strugglers West Ham and escaped embarrassed with that late equaliser at the Cardiff City Stadium on the weekend.
Away from home, Leeds have taken just five points this season – the joint worst in the league – worsened only by Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth based on goal difference. Marsch will demand that his side improve on the road in 2023, starting tonight at Villa Park where they have enjoyed a great deal of success over the years, having only lost once at B6 since 2004.
Ahead of the match, Jesse Marsch discussed his previous encounter with Unai Emery and his admiration of the four-time Europa League winner. He said: “I know Unai Emery from playing against Villarreal with Salzburg in the Europa League. His team was very disciplined and defensively sound, but also dangerous in counter attacking situations, they had a lot of good players and he has a lot of good players again.β
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PREDICTED LINE-UP
Letβs take a look at Liamβs predicted line-up for this upcoming fixture at Villa Parkβ¦
Do you agree? Who makes your side?
Have your own attempt by accessing the following link: https://utvpodcast.co.uk/line-up-selector/.
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AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Authorβs UTV PODCAST archive Liam Davies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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