Unai Emery will field his men in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make some adjustments to his first team for this clash. Emi Buendia, Jadon Sancho and Ollie Watkins could all play from the start of this game.
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4-2-3-1 Aston Villa predicted lineup to face Leeds United
Defense
Emiliano Martínez will be between the sticks for the Villans after scoring three goals in his last outing. Ezri Konsa will operate alongside Pau Torres at the heart of Aston Villa’s backline as they focus on maintaining solidity at the back over the 90 minutes.
Lamare Bogarde will return to the right-back role, while Ian Maatsen will hope to make a good impression on the other side at left-back. Both will have to choose their moments to join the attack.
Tyrone Mings and Victor Lindelof will cover the defensive positions on the bench.
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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 14: Pau Torres of Aston Villa during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United on February 14, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Midfield
Amadou Onana and Douglas Luiz will act as holding midfielders as they look to win the 50-50 battles in the center of the park.
The talented trio of Jadon Sancho, Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia will play just ahead of them as part of Aston Villa’s attack. All three must be at the top of their game if the Villans are to get a convincing win this weekend.
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Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey will be named on the bench and could influence the game in the second 45 minutes if necessary.
Stroke
Ollie Watkins will lead the West Midlands club’s attack at the top. He has to find a way to be a real threat in the final third.
Tammy Abraham will have to settle for a place on the bench as she waits for her chance to make an impact in the latter stages of the game if the Villans need a goal.