Leeds United vs Aston Villa

On Sunday, 23 November 2025, Leeds United will host Aston Villa at Elland Road, Leeds’ historic home ground. The match is set to kick off at 2:00 PM local time, with both teams returning from the international break looking to make a statement in the Premier League.

In terms of squad news, Leeds head into the game with a clean bill of health — manager Daniel Farke has reported that his squad returned from the break without any new injuries. However, he has cautioned against placing too much expectation on his attacking players, particularly those who have not featured recently. Meanwhile, Aston Villa face more uncertainty: Tyrone Mings is confirmed to miss the game due to injury, and other players such as Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, and Amadou Onana are doubts following knocks during international duty. There is also concern over Morgan Rogers, who is being assessed for a hamstring niggle.

Tactically, Farke is likely to set Leeds up in either a 4‑3‑3 or 4‑1‑4‑1 formation, aiming for stability in midfield and relying on pressing to disrupt Villa’s rhythm. He has emphasized the importance of collective effort and balance rather than individual brilliance. On the other side, Unai Emery is expected to stick with his favored 4‑2‑3‑1 system for Villa, using a disciplined double pivot in midfield to protect the backline, while allowing creative players like John McGinn and Morgan Rogers (if fit) to support their central forward.

The media narrative around the match tends to favor Aston Villa. Pundits are pointing to their recent form — they have won a significant portion of their recent games — and their overall squad depth. Analysts also highlight Leeds’ defensive vulnerabilities and questions over whether they can consistently turn possession into meaningful attacking moments. Some press outlets suggest that if Villa bring their road form, they could dominate, while others argue that Elland Road’s atmosphere could give Leeds a crucial lift.

In studio discussions ahead of the game, many analysts back Villa to win, citing their momentum, disciplined midfield, and defensive strength. Models from statistical sites lean slightly in favour of Aston Villa. That said, there’s also a counter‑view: if Leeds stay compact, press intelligently, and make the most of their transitions, they could make it a very tight contest — or even snatch something at home.