Aston Villa's Tammy Abraham celebrates scoring against Newcastle
Aston Villa's Tammy Abraham celebrates scoring against Newcastle
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Aston Villa are targeting successive home league wins this weekend as Leeds United head to Villa Park.
Unai Emery’s side have the incentive to move temporarily five points behind league leaders Arsenal on Saturday, with the Gunners playing at Tottenham after failing to hold onto a two-goal lead at Wolves.
Leeds, meanwhile, are locked in a relegation battle and are currently six points clear of 18th-placed West Ham.
Villa are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against the Whites and will be looking to complete the double over them for the second time in the competition, after 1999-2000.
Villa are also unbeaten in all 18 of their Premier League games against promoted sides under Emery, though that record will be tested on Saturday given Leeds’ recent upturn in form.
Since the start of December, only Manchester City and Manchester United have lost fewer Premier League games than Leeds, although they have also drawn the most matches in that period.
Villa boss Emery will speak to the media on Friday afternoon and provide a fitness update on Matty Cash, who had targeted Saturday as his return date.
The right-back missed matches against Brighton and Newcastle due to a minor knee injury. Villa hope that Cash will be available against Leeds, though his participation is still uncertain.
Emi Martinez is expected to start in goal, with Ezri Konsa and Ian Maatsen also likely to feature from the outset.
Emery does, however, face a decision at left centre-back, with Tyrone Mings preferred to Pau Torres against Bournemouth and Brighton.
In midfield, Amadou Onana should partner Douglas Luiz in the double pivot, while Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia are expected to play in forward roles, possibly with Jadon Sancho on the right. Leon Bailey will compete with Sancho for the right-wing spot.
Emery also has a tough choice to make up front. Tammy Abraham has scored in both of his starts at Villa Park since returning to the club, although his first goal was ruled out against Brentford.
Emery could keep Abraham in the starting XI as a reward for his recent performances, sending a message that may benefit Ollie Watkins in the coming weeks rather than leaving him feeling secure as first-choice.
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