Aston Villa v Leeds United Pre-Match Thread - Sat 21st 3pm

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Arsenal was at home.

Leeds have won 1 away game in the league, and that was at Wolves in September. Leeds are cack.

Indeed, it was at home. So despite them being 'cack' they've only lost one away from home in over two and a half months, picking up points at Anfield, Brentford, Chelsea, Sunderland, Everton plus two away wins in the cup. Nothing to worry about other than them successfully fighting for points to avoid relegation and us recently being 'cack' at home.

Since switching up their tactical setup, their form would make them a top half team. While we should still expect to a beat a team of that level (Everton, for example?), their position in the table is misleading. 'Not losing' away from home is exactly what promoted clubs should be doing - most people would say Sunderland have had an outstanding season for a promoted club, yet Leeds are now just 6 points behind them.

I'm expecting it'll be another awful game to watch, and we'll either just edge it or it'll be another unsatisfying draw.

I'm expecting a tough game, even when they go behind they never give up, constantly pressing. As I've already mentioned, if we can strengthen the midfield it will allow our quality to shine and take all three points. Having Cash back should see us more solid in defence, Mings to start with Torres likely to replace him late in the second half. With Maatsen and Cash the full backs we'll have some attacking width to compensate from a more solid midfield. Buendia on the right as a 10 for his energy, link up play and goal threat, Rogers on the left doing the same, Abraham leading the line and linking up with the pair.

Get it right and we'll beat them by a couple of goals, we just need to match their energy which is why I wouldn't start Bailey, we can bring him on later. If Barkley can play as an 8 then bring him in but Unai sees him more as a 10 which doesn't serve our need of re-enforcing the midfield. Onana needs to rediscover his dominating form, this will be no game for going through the motions. It will be a battle but one we're more than capable of winning.

Over to you, Unai.

[VancouverLion]

Anyone think playing Bogarde and Onana as the pivot and pushing Luiz further forward, with Buendia and Rogers either side, could work?

[TheToffnar]

Anyone think playing Bogarde and Onana as the pivot and pushing Luiz further forward, with Buendia and Rogers either side, could work?

I thought this last week post Brighton. He's clearly not fit enough to go on mad tears down the middle and his passing isn't quite there as it stands to pick out worldy 30 yard through balls.

[brontebilly]

Thought our midfield when we went with 3 v Newcastle after half time was a mess tactically. Not helped by Barkley gassing incredibly quickly but it doesn't suit Luiz on the other side of Onana either. Onana/Luiz were fine in the first half v Newcastle and I don't see to our setup there.

Four selection decisions for Emery it looks like, LCB, RM as ever, LM/ACM (Rogers will be one), FWD. Could Sancho maybe get another go but this time in the position he finished v Newcastle? I think he will go with Mings again but his distribution puts us under pressure. I think Tammy might have done enough to stay in the team. Buendia has struggled in home games of late so think he will be left out.

I'd go - Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen, Onana, Luiz, Bailey, Rogers, Barkley, Tammy.