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Leeds United face Aston Villa on Friday night in the English Premier League and look set to have several notable absentees for the game due to injuries.
Both sides will feel they are in need of a win to keep their fanbases happy. Villa sit comfortably in midtable but new boss Unai Emery will be feeling the pressure to climb the table and challenge for European places.
Leeds on the other hand need a win to stave off a relegation battle similar to last season. The club currently occupy 14th place with 17 points after 17 games and will be looking to escape the cramped bottom eight positions in the division.
The side’s most recent tie came in the FA Cup last Sunday, when Leeds fought out a 2-2 stalemate with Championship opposition Cardiff. The Premier League side endured a shock in the first-half as they went down two goals and failed to mount a response.
Leeds performed much better in the second half and Marsch’s substitutes were key. Top-scorer Rodrigo made an impact after he was introduced, heading in Leeds’ first goal although he would miss a penalty later on after Cardiff’s Joel Bagan used his hand to save a near certain goal on the line after a shot from Junior Firpo.
Nevertheless, another sub, Sonny Perkins, would net Leeds a pivotal equalizer in the last minute of the game to send the tie to a replay fixture to be played at Elland Road.
Leeds’ Growing Injury List
Jesse Marsch’s side have recorded three draws in their last three games and require a win to boost optimism in the camp. However, the side look set to be missing a number of key players heading into Friday night’s clash with Aston Villa.
Striker Patrick Bamford is due for a late fitness test ahead of the game as he looks to make a comeback after an injury hit last two seasons. Midfielder Adam Forshaw will be alongside Bamford in the hope of securing a spot in the Leeds squad that will travel to Villa Park.
Summer signing Luis Sinisterra looks set to remain out injured although he is working his way back to fitness while Stuart Dallas also remains out after sustaining a long term leg injury last year .
There has also been uncertainty about the fitness of exciting winger Crysencio Summerville, who picked up a knock very early on against Cardiff but played on regardless. Youngster Wilfried Gnonto also endured a bruising day at Cardiff though he looks set to play tomorrow evening.
New signing Max Wober could make his first Premier League appearance for Leeds after he was subbed on as a midfielder in last weekend’s FA Cup clash.
Villa Face Absentees Too
For Villa, midfielder John McGinn and fullback Ludwig Augustinsson will likely remain out injured. Right fullback Matty Cash may also stay out with a groin injury while Leander Dendoncker will serve a suspension after he was sent off against Stevenage.
Meanwhile, Diego Carlos and Jed Steer will be fighting for fitness in order to play Friday.
A recent rivalry has sprung up between the sides following a controversial goal scored by Leeds under the reign of Marcelo Bielsa in the Championship season on 2018/19.
Leeds subsequently allowed Aston Villa to score an “equalizer” and since then each encounter between the sides has been fiery, so a win for either side tomorrow will be very important.
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