Konsa at right-back, Dendoncker in for injured Kamara - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Leeds United

Here’s a look ahead to Villa’s next Premier League fixture with Leeds United next weekend and the options Steven Gerrard has in terms of selection

Ashley Preece Local Democracy Reporter

08:00, 24 Sep 2022

Leander Dendoncker is in contention to make his first Aston Villa start against Leeds United next week

You have to go back to the beginning of May for Aston Villa’s last win on the road in the Premier League when Danny Ings, Emi Buendia and Ollie Watkins scored in a 3-1 win up at Burnley. It’s been three straight defeats away from home this term with Steven Gerrard hopeful his side can banish their away-day blues with trips to Leeds United and Nottingham Forest next up.

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The head coach spoke of his frustration at losing Boubacar Kamara last week, with the Frenchman set to miss Villa’s next nine matches after sustaining a knee injury. Lucas Digne picked up a suspected ankle fracture while on international duty as well as Villa’s injury list continues to mount.

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Looking ahead to Leeds next week and changes will need to be made. Emi Martinez will retain his place in goal once again while, ahead of him, Gerrard will check up on Matty Cash’s progress after he tweaked his hamstring in the 1-1 draw with Man City earlier this month. Ashley Young has stepped in brilliantly at right-back, though, while a big decision will have to be made on the opposite side given Digne’s setback. Loanee Ludwig Augustinsson, in line to play for Sweden on Saturday, is the obvious choice to replace Digne but, knowing he’s yet to make his Villa bow, Gerrard could well deploy Young at left-back while shifting Ezri Konsa across to right-back, as he has done on nine occasions in a Villa shirt including against Bolton this season. Calum Chambers could then come in from the cold to start at a ground he scored a screamer at last season, with the ever-impressive Tyrone Mings keeping his place in the centre of defence.

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Into midfield and John McGinn will look to take his fine form for Scotland into the next run of Premier League games. Given Kamara’s injury, deadline day signing Leander Dendoncker is the natural fit to play in that No.6 position. Douglas Luiz could also be recalled to give Villa some control at a place where they’ll need it given Leeds’ relentless pressing style. Ahead of McGinn, Dendoncker and Douglas, Philippe Coutinho will be the favourite to get the nod over Emi Buendia while, next to him, Jacob Ramsey could again be used as an unorthodox No.10 with Ollie Watkins leading the line once more.

Villa predicted XI vs Leeds United (4-3-2-1): Martinez; Konsa, Chambers, Mings, Young; McGinn, Dendoncker, Douglas Luiz; Coutinho, J.Ramsey; Watkins.

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