Aston Villa Report

Jacob Tanswell

Great save from Martinez after Calvert-Lewin is put in. Martinez comes out and smothers well, even if Calvert-Lewin's first touch is loose. #AVFC's issues with a direct and wing-back system apparent in the opening minutes. Makes for quite a tense watch

Jacob Tanswell

#AVFC will work hard if they want to press. Leeds' back 3/5 is fluid, with the two WBs pushing high, while the back three behind stretches & rotates. The best way you can disturb this is by playing forward quickly after regains - onus on Rogers/Buendia then Bailey to run behind

Jacob Tanswell

Do enjoy #AVFC's new set piece routine of three players, usually comprising the two CBs, weirdly ambling towards the taker, only for the taker to dart the ball behind them and into the box.

Jacob Tanswell

Unai Emery with some warm words for Daniel Farke. Before kick-off, Emery had praised the improvements Leeds had made since they last met in November. For #AVFC, overcoming Leeds' new system, based on energy, physicality and set plays, is a challenge. Could do with an early goal

John Townley

We're underway at Villa Park... #AVFC 0-0 Leeds

John Townley

Leeds starting XI vs #AVFC: Darlow, Bogle, Ampadu, Justin, Gudmundsson, Struijk, Rodon, Gruev, Stach, Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin. Subs: Perri, Bornauw, Bijol, Tanaka, Longstaff, Nmecha, Gnonto, James, Piroe.

John Townley

Ollie Watkins leads the line for #AVFC this afternoon, while Leon Bailey makes his first league start since returning to the club. Matty Cash also comes back into the team, with Emi Martinez, Tyrone Mings, Ian Maatsen and Emi Buendia. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/footba

Jacob Tanswell

#AVFC XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Douglas Luiz, Onana; Bailey, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins Seven changes from Newcastle loss. Watkins retains his place in the league ahead of Abraham. Bailey makes first league start since returning

John Townley

#AVFC starting XI vs Leeds: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Onana, Luiz; Bailey, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins. Subs: Wright, Lindelof, Digne, Torres, Bogarde, Garcia, Barkley, Sancho, Abraham.

Jacob Tanswell

#AVFC remain in a very good position in the PL, but there is a feeling a proper performance is overdue.Not just because of recent form, but if the club are going to class this as a highest-pricing bracket fixture, increasing costs notably, then there should be further expectation