This Saturday afternoon, Aston Villa will host Leeds United at Villa Park, aiming for a positive outcome at home in the Premier League. Following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United in their last match, the Villans are keen to bounce back with a victory this weekend.
Unai Emery is set to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation and may make some adjustments to his starting lineup for this fixture. Key players like Emi Buendia, Jadon Sancho, and Ollie Watkins are all expected to take the field from the outset.
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Projected 4-2-3-1 Lineup for Aston Villa Against Leeds United
Defense
Emiliano Martinez will take his place in goal for the Villans, looking to recover after conceding three goals in his last appearance. Ezri Konsa will pair with Pau Torres at the center of the Aston Villa defense, focusing on maintaining solidity throughout the match.
Lamare Bogarde is expected to fill the right-back position while Ian Maatsen looks to perform well as the left-back. Both players will need to carefully time their forward runs to support the attack.
Tyrone Mings and Victor Lindelof will provide defensive cover from the bench.
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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 14: Pau Torres of Aston Villa during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United on February 14, 2026, in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Midfield
Amadou Onana and Douglas Luiz will serve as the holding midfielders, aiming to dominate the midfield battles.
In an advanced role, the dynamic trio of Jadon Sancho, Morgan Rogers, and Emi Buendia will support the attack. For Aston Villa to secure a convincing win this weekend, all three must be in top form.
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Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey are set to be on the bench, with the potential to make an impact in the second half if needed.
Attack
Ollie Watkins will lead the attack for the West Midlands club, tasked with being a significant threat in the final third.
Tammy Abraham will have to wait on the bench for his opportunity to contribute in the later stages of the game if the Villans require a goal.