Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Matty Hewitt

Leeds United must be wary of Aston Villa's internationals riding crest of wave

Leeds United will finally be back in Premier League action this weekend when they host Aston Villa at Elland Road. There's been plenty of debate surrounding the fixture, given the lengthy time in between the Whites' last fixture - a 5-2 defeat against Brentford.

Jesse Marsch's side are looking to bounce back following that disappointing setback and will be keen to allay any fears of a relegation battle this season. They'll face a Steven Gerrard side that is just a point behind them in the table, having played an additional game.

The Villains' boss had come under some early pressure but four points from their last two games has lifted them out of the relegation zone. They'll be without Boubacar Kamara for the trip to Yorkshire after he suffered a knee ligament injury against Southampton.

READ MORE: Luis Sinisterra's defiant Leeds United message and his 'hunger' to succeed on biggest stage

However, a number of their international contingent will have been buoyed by their performances for their respective countries. Particularly John McGinn who captained Scotland to promotion to the top tier of the Nations League on Tuesday night.

A 0-0 draw against Ukraine in Krakow saw his side finish top of Group B1, clinching a Euro 2024 play-off place in the process. He may be savouring promotion, but Ludwig Augustinsson and Robin Olsen are dealing with the opposite after Sweden were relegated from League B, with both players starting in their 1-1 draw with Slovenia.

Emi Martínez and Leon Bailey would go head-to-head as Argentina ran out 3-0 victors against Jamaica - with both players playing the full 90 minutes. Argentina's unbeaten run has now been extended to 35 – two games off Italy’s world record.

Jacob Ramsey played 70 minutes for England Under-21s as they came from behind to beat Germany 3-1 in Sheffield, while Jan Bednarek completed 90 minutes as Poland saw off Wales 1-0 in Cardiff on Sunday night. A clean sheet ensured Poland of their top tier status in the Nations League.

Leander Dendoncker should also have fresh legs for the trip to Elland Road, the Villa midfielder did not feature in Belgium’s 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands.

READ NEXT:

Bamford, home form, injuries - Leeds United's best and worst-case scenarios before the World Cup break

Leeds United have an opportunity to set the tone for pivotal period in Aston Villa clash

Former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa turns down job offer

Michael Skubala on Leeds United U21s rapid development and international advantages

Ex-Leeds United midfielder Phillips faces England battle amid Bellingham claim

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.