Leeds United finally have a game to look forward to this weekend as they host Aston Villa at Elland Road. By the time Stuart Attwell’s whistle blows for kick-off on Sunday, the Whites will have had a 29-day break from their last match – a 5-2 defeat at Brentford.
Unlike Leeds, Villa were able to continue their season before the two-week international break as they earned their second win of the season against Southampton. But that much-needed three points came at a cost, as Steven Gerrard’s side picked up two key injuries during and after the game.
Key holding midfielder Boubacar Kamara was forced off in the first half due to a knee injury that is set to keep him out for six-eight weeks. Left-back Lucas Digne, meanwhile, withdrew from the France squad due to a stress fracture in his leg that will also side-line him for a prolonged period.
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That could mean summer signing Ludwig Augustinsson is handed his first minutes in a Villa shirt in place of Digne. He is likely to start in a back-four alongside Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Ashley Young, with the latter in place of Matty Cash if he has not recovered from his hamstring injury.
In midfield Douglas Luiz is the leading candidate to replace Kamara, though Leander Dendoncker -who is a more natural number four - will also be pushing for his first Villa start. Jacob Ramsey and newly appointed captain John McGinn make up the remainder of the engine room.
In the front three, Gerrard could stick with Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho, who all started the win against Southampton. That said, it is fair to say none of them were at their best that evening and so both Emi Buendia and Danny Ings will both be hopeful of recalls.
Predicted Villa line-up (4-3-3): Emi Martinez; Ashley Young, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Ludwig Augustinsson; Jacob Ramsey, Douglas Luiz, John McGinn; Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins, Philippe Coutinho
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