Here are the latest Leeds United morning headlines on Saturday, 1 October 2022.
Gerrard
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is confident his side can cope with a string of key injury blows ahead of the trip to Leeds United. Villa are set to be without Boubacar Kamara, Lucas Digne, Matty Cash and Diego Carlos on Sunday at Elland Road.
Kamara and Carlos were Gerrard’s two marquee signings during the summer, while Cash and Digne’s attacking ability from full back are crucial to how Villa play. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Gerrard wants his side to ensure they do their best to avoid feeling their absence.
He said: “I’m still feeling the Diego Carlos injury now, and the Boubacar one. That’s the position I’m in, but I’ll get nothing for feeling sorry for myself.
READ MORE: Michael Skubala hails key Leeds United U21s attribute as 'warrior' impresses in Stoke City win
“We have to move forwards and I have total confidence in the squad that we have the right people to come in and fill the void. Collectively we have to make sure those players are not missed as much as people think they will be.”
Predicted XI
Problems still surround Jesse Marsch at Leeds United, but they are of the high-quality kind many managers crave. Rather than cramming square pegs in round holes to field a team, the head coach has real competition for places in natural roles.
There has certainly been a fade factor in the anguish and pain after that thrashing by Brentford last time out. Four weeks is a long time and it’s easy to forget how poor the defensive play was at points in that match.
Marsch seems unlikely to throw the baby out with the bathwater, however. Cody Drameh’s start on Friday night with the under-21s clears up at least one change.
Click here for Beren Cross’ predicted XI.
U21s ratings
Click here for Will Jackson’s Leeds United U21s player ratings from last night’s 4-0 win over Stoke City.
READ NEXT:
- Jesse Marsch cuts through Llorente vs Cooper and Kristensen vs Ayling noise
- Leeds United injury list and return dates as Whites feel benefit of pre-Aston Villa break
- Steven Gerrard forced into 'frustrating' injury update before Aston Villa's trip to Leeds United
- Leeds United injury news as Jesse Marsch delivers encouraging update ahead of Aston Villa clash
- Leeds United fans slam 'disgraceful' Liverpool fixture change that causes travel issues
