Key Points
- Leeds United return to Premier League action with an away fixture against Aston Villa at Villa Park in the West Midlands, kick-off scheduled for 3 PM today.
- Manager Daniel Farke has made nine changes to the Leeds lineup from their recent Emirates FA Cup victory over Birmingham City, retaining only James Justin and Gabriel Gudmundsson.
- Karl Darlow starts in goal, with a defence of Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk, and Gabriel Gudmundsson; midfield features Ilia Gruev, Anton Stach, and Brenden Aaronson supporting striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
- Substitutes for Leeds include Lucas Perri (GK), Daniel James, Sean Longstaff, Joel Piroe, Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka, and Wilfried Gnonto.
- The changes follow Leeds’ recent FA Cup success, advancing to the last 16 after beating Birmingham 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Lukas Nmecha scoring in regular time.
- Aston Villa, sitting third in the Premier League with 50 points from 26 games, made seven changes after their 3-1 FA Cup home loss to Newcastle United.
- Unai Emery’s Villa side aims to close the gap to the leaders to five points and continue their strong home form, unbeaten in the last six Premier League meetings against Leeds (4 wins, 2 draws).
- Leeds currently occupy 15th place, looking to build on resilient form and distance themselves from the relegation zone.
- No fresh injury concerns for Leeds, with Wilfried Gnonto and others available; Villa managing squad rotation amid injuries.
Villa Park, Birmingham (The Leeds Times) February 21, 2026 – Leeds United resume their Premier League campaign today against Aston Villa at Villa Park, with manager Daniel Farke implementing several key changes to the lineup following the team’s recent Emirates FA Cup triumph over Birmingham City.
- Key Points
- What Changes Has Daniel Farke Made to the Leeds United Lineup?
- Why Are These Changes Happening After FA Cup Success?
- What Is Aston Villa’s Response to Their Recent FA Cup Exit?
- How Do the Teams Stand in the Premier League Table?
- What Do Managers Say About the Fixture?
- What Is the Historical Context and Head-to-Head Record?
- Who Are the Key Players to Watch?
- What Are the Predictions and Fan Expectations?
What Changes Has Daniel Farke Made to the Leeds United Lineup?
Daniel Farke has introduced nine alterations to the side that progressed in the FA Cup last weekend, retaining only full-backs James Justin and Gabriel Gudmundsson from that squad. As detailed in the official team news on Leeds United’s website, Karl Darlow starts in goal behind a backline of Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu (captain), and Pascal Struijk, who returns after injury.
Midfield duties fall to Ilia Gruev, Anton Stach, and Brenden Aaronson, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the attack as Leeds’ top scorer returns to the fold. As reported by BBC Sport, Farke explained the rotation:
“We’ve got a strong squad and this is about fresh legs for a tough away game against a top-side.”
Substitutes include goalkeeper Lucas Perri, Daniel James, Sean Longstaff, Joel Piroe, Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka, and Wilfried Gnonto, providing ample options for impact from the bench.
These changes reflect Farke’s strategy to balance cup and league commitments, with no fresh injury worries after Wilfried Gnonto’s recovery from a calf issue. InsideFutbol noted:
“Midfield could be a key battleground, with Ampadu, Gruev, and Stach tasked with containing Villa’s engine room.”
Why Are These Changes Happening After FA Cup Success?
Leeds United advanced to the FA Cup’s last 16 last weekend, edging Birmingham City 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw that went to extra time. ESPN reported that Lukas Nmecha scored Leeds’ goal in the second half, only for Birmingham substitute Patrick Roberts to equalise in the 89th minute, but Sean Longstaff netted the decisive spot-kick.
This victory marked a morale boost ahead of the Premier League return, with Farke prioritising squad depth. As per Leeds United’s official preview, the team sits 15th in the table with 30 points from 26 games, aiming to climb further from the relegation scrap.
The FA Cup run has allowed rotation, but now the focus shifts to league survival against a Villa side in Champions League contention.
What Is Aston Villa’s Response to Their Recent FA Cup Exit?
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has made seven changes to the lineup that suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle United in the FA Cup a week ago. BBC Sport confirmed Emiliano Martinez reclaims his spot in goal, though substitute keeper James Wright (21, yet to make a competitive appearance) is on the bench after Marco Bizot’s red card in that match.
Villa’s predicted lineup includes Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Lucas Digne, Douglas Luiz, Amadou Onana, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Buendia, Ollie Watkins, and Leon Bailey, per Yahoo Sports previews. Emery, speaking ahead of the game as quoted in a YouTube press conference transcript, showed respect for Leeds:
“Leeds competed fantastic… playing good football, deserving more. Changed to three centre-backs, performing very well.”
He added:
“Premier League first objective… 38 matches, be consistent.”
The Villans boast an impressive home record, winning eight of their last ten at Villa Park, and have not lost to Leeds in six Premier League clashes. Yahoo Sports highlighted:
“Aston Villa has not lost in their last six Premier League encounters with Leeds, recording 4 wins and 2 draws.”
How Do the Teams Stand in the Premier League Table?
Aston Villa occupy third place with 50 points from 26 matches (15 wins, 5 draws, 6 losses, goal difference +10), one of their best starts in Premier League history, per SportsGambler standings. A win could close the gap to leaders Arsenal or Manchester City to five points.
Leeds languish in 15th with 30 points (7 wins, 9 draws, 10 losses, goal difference -9), seven points clear of the drop zone after recent resilience. Earlier this season, Villa beat Leeds 2-1 at Elland Road, with Morgan Rogers scoring a second-half double, as per ESPN.
What Do Managers Say About the Fixture?
Daniel Farke emphasised the challenge:
“Villa are flying at home, but we’ve got quality to hurt them,”
according to Leeds United’s team news announcement. Unai Emery prioritised league focus post-FA Cup:
“We are analysing how to keep being consistent… up more than down,”
as reported in his pre-match briefing.
Aston Villa’s official site preview noted:
“Aston Villa look to return to winning ways on home soil on Saturday, hosting Leeds United in Premier League action.”
Leeds sit seven points adrift of the top six, making this a crucial test.
What Is the Historical Context and Head-to-Head Record?
Villa have dominated recent meetings, unbeaten in six Premier League games against Leeds (4W-2D). Their away win at Elland Road in November 2025 (2-1) featured Rogers’ brace. Leeds’ last victory over Villa was pre-promotion.
Under Emery, Villa are unbeaten against promoted sides in the Premier League (14W-4D from 18). Leeds, managed by Farke, have shown grit in cups but struggle away, winning just two of 13 Premier League road games this season.
Who Are the Key Players to Watch?
For Leeds, Dominic Calvert-Lewin returns as top scorer, supported by Brenden Aaronson’s creativity and Ethan Ampadu’s leadership. Wilfried Gnonto could feature from the bench after injury.
Villa rely on Ollie Watkins’ goals, Morgan Rogers’ form (after his double vs Leeds earlier), and Emiliano Buendia’s midfield flair. Douglas Luiz anchors the midfield. SportsGambler lists Joe Rodon (2 goals) as a Leeds standout in defence.
What Are the Predictions and Fan Expectations?
Previews favour Villa’s home strength, with Yahoo predicting a 2-1 win: “Villa’s defence has conceded just 1.2 goals per game lately.” Leeds fans are eager post-FA Cup, but Farke urges realism: “Massive respect for Villa’s consistency.”
