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Dendoncker to replace Kamara, Leon Bailey at risk - Aston Villa changes for Leeds United clash

Aston Villa travel to Yorkshire to take on Leeds United at Elland Road after the international break but how many changes should Steven Gerrard make to the side that beat Southampton 1-0?

Leander Dendoncker prepares to come on as a substitute to make his debut during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton
Leander Dendoncker prepares to come on as a substitute to make his Aston Villa debut against Southampton

October will be a six-game month for Aston Villa with Leeds United next up after the international break. Steven Gerrard will go into the next round of fixtures in confident mood off the back of taking four points from Man City and Southampton.


Villa have nine games in total before the World Cup commences and, in that time, it’s imperative Villa climb the Premier League table after taking just seven points from a possible 21 following their seven-game start. Gerrard and his group have, though, been rocked by the injury to Diego Carlos while, last week, fellow new addition Boubacar Kamara was forced off with a concerning knee injury. Matty Cash is currently sidelined with a hamstring while, today, Lucas Digne was forced to withdraw from the France squad with an ankle injury. Jed Steer (Achilles) is also still out with Villa’s injury list appearing to grow by the week.


Ahead of Leeds, though, BirminghamLive runs through the possible changes that could be made as Villa look to continue their momentum off the back of two solid home performances. Have your say in the comments section right here.


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Ashley Young retains starting place


It’s understood that Cash should be back in contention after the international break but the man that has replaced him, Ashley Young, should retain his starting shirt. Yes, Leeds are full of high-energy and play at a relentless speed, but 37-year-old Young hasn’t put a foot wrong in his two games since coming into the side. His experience and nous has helped Villa considerably recently and that will again be needed up at a packed-out Elland Road.

Leander Dendoncker in for Boubacar Kamara

Boubacar Kamara reacts after picking up an injury leading to him being substituted during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton
Boubacar Kamara reacts after picking up an injury which led to him being substituted during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton

Now one change that could be forced upon Gerrard is new addition Leander Dendoncker coming in for Kamara in the heart of Villa’s midfield. We’re yet to learn the true extent of Kamara’s knee injury but, judging by Gerrard’s response to BirminghamLive last week, it doesn’t sound good. Dendoncker is a natural replacement for the Frenchman and, last week, Gerrard spoke really well of the Belgian international, outlining how the ex-Wolves man has made a really good first impression on the training pitches.

Douglas Luiz in for Leon Bailey

Another change that could be forthcoming is Leon Bailey coming out of the XI. The Jamaican didn’t do enough against Southampton and, bringing Douglas Luiz back into midfield, will allow Jacob Ramsey to push further upfield to see if he can build on his match-winning strike against the Saints. Another option would, of course, be Emi Buendia but Ramsey seems to be the favourite should Gerrard opt for a new No.10 alongside Philippe Coutinho.


What do you think? Let us know in the comments section

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