At A Glance
Leeds United are the visitors to Villa Park on Friday night as Aston Villa resume their Premier League campaign.
After an FA Cup humbling at the hands of Stevenage last time out, Unai Emery’s team will look to build on a run of three wins in five league games.
A 1-1 draw against Wolves last time out in the top flight leaves Villa 11th heading into this game.
Jesse Marsch’s men narrowly avoided being the victim of an FA Cup upset themselves thanks to Sonny Perkins’ stoppage-time equaliser at Cardiff City.
The result extended United’s winless run to five games, a streak which stretched back to early November.
Rodrigo has been Leeds’ main attacking threat this term, netting 11 goals so far – seven more than any of his teammates.
Standout Stats
Aston Villa are unbeaten in the four most recent Premier League meetings, keeping three clean sheets (W2, D2).
However, Leeds have taken 11 points from their past six Premier League away games against Villa, with their only defeat during that run coming in February 2004.
A win or draw on Friday would ensure Villa surpass last season's tally of 22 points at the halfway stage.
Leeds have the joint-worst away record in the division this season, with five points from eight games. Their only win was 2-1 against Liverpool in October.
There have been 13 goals scored in the opening 15 minutes of Villa's Premier League matches this season, the most involving any side.
Jesse Marsch's side are on a run of two wins in 16 matches in all competitions (D5, L9).
Unai Emery's Villarreal side defeated Jesse Marsch's Red Bull Salzburg 4-1 on aggregate in the 2020-21 Europa League to reach the last 16 en route to winning the trophy.
Marsch’s team kept their first away clean sheet of the season last time out at Newcastle.
Rodrigo has scored 40% of Leeds' Premier League goals so far this season, with only Erling Haaland (47%) and Harry Kane (41%) netting a higher share for their side.
The Last Meeting
Aston Villa and Leeds United couldn’t be separated at Elland Road in October.
The visitors played against ten men for most of the second half following Luis Sinisterra’s red card, but they couldn’t break through a stubborn home side.
Philippe Coutinho went closest when his volley rebounded off a post, while Ollie Watkins threatened on numerous occasions and substitute Emi Buendía curled narrowly off target from distance.
Team News
New signing Álex Moreno trained with his new teammates on Thursday and is available for selection.
Unai Emery ruled John McGinn out of the game, while Leander Dendoncker will serve a suspension after his red card against Stevenage.
Counterpart Jesse Marsch confirmed Patrick Bamford will return to the Leeds squad.
The American also ruled Luis Sinisterra, Archie Gray and Stuart Dallas out before adding Crysencio Summerville will be sidelined for a month.
The Boss
“They are a very difficult team because they have very good players. They push a lot and they played a very good match in Newcastle being so, so competitive. They lost against Tottenham 4-3 (in November) but playing really well and they were winning for the first 80 minutes. It’s an example of how competitive they are. Tomorrow I’m expecting to play a difficult team. We need to avoid their pressing because their counter-pressing is amazing and they have fast players. They have a very good striker in Rodrigo, he’s in a good moment. They’re challenging.”
Unai Emery
