Leeds United have come a long way since their last meeting with Aston Villa back in November
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
05:00, 21 Feb 2026
Elland Road was a gloomier place back in November than it is now
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Elland Road was a gloomier place back in November than it is now(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
The last time Leeds United played Aston Villa, the mood music was somewhat different. Upon full-time in the 2-1 defeat at Elland Road, there was a smattering of boos but most notable was the murmuring sense of resigned acceptance.
While the performance was much better than the games before the November international break, the result signalled the club’s third straight defeat and their fifth in six games. Daniel Farke was on very shaky ground.
The following game at Manchester City completely changed the tide. While Leeds ultimately lost again thanks to a stoppage-time Phil Foden goal, Farke had found something upon turning back-three formation ehich prompted an initial two-goal comeback.
Since that point, Leeds have only lost twice - very unfortunately at Newcastle United and at home to title favourites Arsenal. Scalps against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have followed and United have climbed six points clear of the drop zone.
At the end of Sunday's FA Cup match across the city, the away end was heard chanting Farke's name with optimism restored. A very different Leeds will be turning up to Villa Park than the one that Morgan Rogers dismantled in November.
Continuing away form
While it remains true that Leeds have not won in 10 Premier League away games, that does not nearly tell the whole picture. Draws at Liverpool, Sunderland and Everton should not be snuffed at while the 2-2 grab at Chelsea last time out in the league was seismic.
Villa have lost two of their last three home games and will have at least three key players absent. That is not to undermine the test before them - Leeds have won just two of their last eight visits to Villa Park.
After the Everton draw, Farke explained how the long wait for a win was not something that troubled the mind. Leeds are the underdogs in every away game this season and every point counts towards survival.
A draw at Villa would be a terrific result, with Unai Emery’s side currently in the top three. Momentum is a significant thing in football and by extending their six-week run of not losing away from home, Leeds can retain theirs.
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Nmecha streak to continue?
Lukas Nmecha has scored three in his last three matches but may well be benched, despite his two goals in two starts. The back-three system requires the second striker to move out wide in possession, which is not Nmecha’s forte. He is an out-and-out central forward, really.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has that role on lockdown right now and away from home in particular, it seems that Brenden Aaronson is picked in the hybrid supporting role. That said, there may still be chance for Nmecha to continue his streak even if he doesn’t start.
His last appearance from the bench saw him net the last-gasp winner at Fulham. If he does come into the game as a substitute and score once again to make it four goals in four, then that is surely something Farke cannot ignore ahead of Man City coming to Elland Road.
Injury returns
Having both Anton Stach and Pascal Struijk back are big boosts. Leeds have managed to cope fine without the duo but the Whites are undoubtedly stronger when they are in the team.
Struijk’s return could see in-form James Justin given a rest having started the last eight Premier League games in a variety of roles before playing the full 120 minutes at Birmingham City in Sunday's FA Cup win.
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Daniel James has overcome his back issue and is in contention, with the issue thankfully nothing more sinister. The Welshman has had rotten luck with injuries this season, with five separate issues since the summer.
Noah Okafor is the only absentee with his fresh hamstring setback keeping him sidelined for between two and four weeks. But that aside, Leeds have a full squad to choose from.