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Leeds hold on for point against Aston Villa after Luis Sinisterra sees red

Luis Sinisterra is sent off by referee Stuart Attwell on the 48th minute - Leeds vs Aston Villa live: Score and latest updates from the Premier League - ACTION IMAGES
Luis Sinisterra is sent off by referee Stuart Attwell on the 48th minute - Leeds vs Aston Villa live: Score and latest updates from the Premier League - ACTION IMAGES
  • Jesse Marsch watches from the stands, serving his one-match touchline ban

  • Luis Sinisterra sent off on 48th minute for second bookable offence

  • Aston Villa have 19 shots but fail to find the mark

Referee Stuart Attwell left the pitch to a spiteful chorus of “you’re not fit to referee” but the ire of Leeds United supporters would have been better directed at Luis Sinisterra.

The Colombian’s utter dereliction of duty in the form of a needless sending-off early in the second half exposed his team-mates to the best part of 45 minutes of having to scrap and battle their way to a draw which felt more like a victory.

They were indebted to Aston Villa’s lack of a cutting edge in their stirring rearguard action as they secured only a second point from the past four games to earn a more positive send-off at the final whistle than the one afforded to Attwell.

The official quite legitimately cautioned Sinisterra for a second time in the 48th minute when the forward, who had been booked for a first-half foul on John McGinn, needlessly hung out a leg to block an attempt by Douglas Luiz to take a quick free-kick from inside his own half. It was an irresponsible act by the South American which received a merited punishment.

“The second yellow is not an intelligent play,” Jesse Marsch admitted. The Leeds head coach, who watched from the press box as he served a one-match touchline ban for his red card at Brentford last month, added: “That second yellow card gets him in trouble and us in trouble.

“We need to be smarter and not dig holes for ourselves. I’ll speak to Luis, but clearly it was not an intelligent play. We worked on man-down tactics two weeks ago and I even submitted a video on it for them to watch last night, so it turned into a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy. There are moments where we can be smarter but, in the end, it was a good clean sheet.”

Sinisterra (L) - Leeds hold on for point against Aston Villa after Luis Sinisterra sees red - GETTY IMAGES
Sinisterra (L) - Leeds hold on for point against Aston Villa after Luis Sinisterra sees red - GETTY IMAGES

After criticising Everton’s time-wasting tactics at Elland Road in August, Marsch was again unhappy at the manner in which Villa approached a contest which saw Steven Gerrard’s side claim a first away point of the season.

“I will be speaking to somebody from the league because this is clearly a tactic,” Marsch said. “The league tell us that they’re going to do more to control the run of play in matches, but I feel bad for our fans when they come to games and have to watch that. They totally slowed it down from the very first whistle.”

The accusation received predictably short shrift from Gerrard. The Villa manager said: “Was Jesse happy with their time-wasting when they went down to 10? It works both ways and I’m not really interested in what Jesse thinks.

“We slowed the game to our tempo, and we went to war when we needed to go to war.”

The bad blood engendered during a feisty pre-season match between the sides in Australia in July remained viscerally evident through a string of ugly late challenges, leading to five bookings – three for the hosts – in addition to Sinisterra’s red, and with it the trampling of any hope of witnessing a game of free-flowing football.

Gerrard (R) - Leeds hold on for point against Aston Villa after Luis Sinisterra sees red - GETTY IMAGES
Gerrard (R) - Leeds hold on for point against Aston Villa after Luis Sinisterra sees red - GETTY IMAGES

Attwell earned his money trying to maintain control as emotions threatened to boil over, with memories clearly still fresh from the summer when a reckless tackle by Villa captain McGinn on Archie Gray saw Leeds’ England youth international carried off.

Philippe Coutinho came closest to exploiting his side’s numerical advantage when the Brazilian struck a post with an acrobatic volley from a Leon Bailey cross barely a minute after Sinisterra’s enforced early departure. Emiliano Buendia curled a shot narrowly wide from 20 yards, Coutinho fired across the face of goal and Illan Meslier saved well from Ollie Watkins as some increasingly desperate Leeds defending bore fruit.

Ultimately, Villa lacked the guile to deserve victory, and the hosts’ reward could have been even greater as substitutes Patrick Bamford and Mateusz Klich both came close to snatching maximum points late on.

Villa debutant Ludwig Augustinsson will have a scan on a hamstring injury which forced the Sevilla loan defender off before half-time, and Gerrard added: “The sending-off was helpful but, from that moment, we’ve got to be better. We’re frustrated because we’ve created more than enough to earn all three points. I think we’ve turned a corner, but we’ve still got lots of work to do.”


Leeds United 0 vs Aston Villa 0: As it happened


07:11 PM

That's all for our Premier League coverage for today, thanks for joining us

Not the most exciting game that one. We'll have live coverage of the bottom of the table clash between Leicester and Nottingham Forest tomorrow evening. Kick off at the King Power is 8pm.


07:04 PM

Steven Gerrard speaks with Sky Sports

I'm frustrated and I'm sure my attacking players will be as well. We came here to frustrate Leeds but we'll go away extremely frustrated.

I need better moments of quality at key times. We've had the numerical advantage for a big chunk of that second half. We need to get better.

You've got to give Leeds credit of course but we created more than enough to win the game today. We just couldn't find the execution. We need more goals. We need our attacking players to step forward. To be more forward, to be more clinical. We know collectively we've got to improve in that area.

It certainly feels like we've dropped two points today. But we're off the mark away from home.

Steven Gerrard - Getty Images Europe
Steven Gerrard - Getty Images Europe

06:46 PM

Jesse Marsch speaks with Sky Sports

I saw a team that was fighting like lions and doing everything they could to battle through, to hold the clean sheet, to find the way to get the result.

In the end, getting the point showed the character of the group once again.

[In the first half] we needed to be braver. For me we played a little too conservative. We need to be better that way.

After the time off, the group wanted the result so bad, they were a little bit nervy.


06:41 PM

Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper speak with Sky Sports

Patrick Bamford:

We deserved a point at least.

I think it's going to take a few more [for me] to get up to full speed but it's nice to get back on the pitch. Hopefully I can build up momentum and start scoring some goals.

Liam Cooper:

The sending off changes the game. It was a game that you couldn't really get a flow going. It was stop and start, it was difficult. The boys can be proud, they put a right good shift in there.

To be fair, we train with a man down in training. It has come in useful today. Obviously we're not going to have as much possession as we like, but fair play to everyone. We move onto the next one now.

Liam Cooper - Offside
Liam Cooper - Offside

06:28 PM

Full time: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Leeds are over the line. Their unbeaten record at home continues.

For Steven Gerard's Villa, it's a first point on the road this season, but they couldn't break down a Leeds team who went down to 10 men at the start of the second half.

Leeds will be most-pleased with the outcome here. After shipping five at Brentford, they have restored their defensive discipline.

Steven Gerrard art full time - Action Images via Reuters
Steven Gerrard art full time - Action Images via Reuters
Leeds players at full time - PA
Leeds players at full time - PA

06:25 PM

90+2 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

McGinn with a superb challenge up the other end to put Klich off after a strong run by Bamford up the left.

Leeds corner, Ayling tries to get to it, but it's cleared.


06:24 PM

90+1 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Watkins earns a free kick, fouled by Struijk.

Young plays it down the line to Watkins, he tries to pull it back across goal but it's into an area flooded with white shirts.

McGinn goes for goal, but it's fairly wide.


06:22 PM

90 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Four minutes of added time for Leeds to get through.


06:21 PM

88 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0       

Leeds are disrupting the rhythm of the game as much as they can, looking to hold on to this point.

But Watkins is played in by Buendia down the inside left channel. Watkins has a shot, but Meslier comes out quickly. It's a big save. Corner.

Luiz swings in the corner but it's straight out of play.


06:17 PM

85 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0       

Leeds defending deep here. McGinn unleashes a missile from outside the area, but Ayling stands tall, putting his body on the line.

It was an intelligrent flick on from Luiz in the build up, spotting the Scotland international in space.


06:15 PM

82 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0     

Another card, this time for Koch. He grabs hold of Watkins and drags him to the ground.

Villa free kick on the left. It goes beyond Mings and Meslier jumps and gathers. A rather comfortable one for the Leeds keeper.


06:14 PM

82 mins: Leeds sub

Ramsey makes way for Ings.


06:12 PM

80 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0     

A big shove in the back from Mings on Bamford. Free kick to Leeds from inside the centre circle.


06:11 PM

78 mins: Leeds subs

Off: Harrison, Aaronson.

On: Klich, Summerville.


06:10 PM

77 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0   

Bamford gets a rare Leeds shot away, looking sharp there. Martinez spills the ball, and Konsa gets just ahead of Aaronson to slide it back to the keeper, a brilliantly-timed challenge after a powerful wide shot from Bamford.

Bamford effort - REUTERS
Bamford effort - REUTERS

06:08 PM

76 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0   

Young gets a cross away from the left. Watkins is on it, but Firpo does well to put him off.


06:07 PM

75 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0   

Young, to Watkins on the left. He cuts inside and drops his shoulder and has a shot, but it's straight at Meslier. Easily saved.


06:05 PM

72 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0 

Douglas Luiz bends a ball in from the corner to the back post, Meslier gets his angles completely wrong but fortunately for him Konsa can't quite get to the ball to nod it in.


06:03 PM

71 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0 

Buendia has a shot from outside the D. It's curling in, but ends just wide of the postage stamp.


06:02 PM

70 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Harrison sends in a free kick from the right. He's looking to pick out Bamford, but Villa have played a high defensive line to keep the Leeds players out of the danger zone – and it's a successful ploy.


05:59 PM

67 mins: Leeds subs 

Off: Kristensen, Rodrigo.

On: Ayling, Bamford.

Patrick Bamford - REUTERS
Patrick Bamford - REUTERS

05:58 PM

66 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0     

Koch is back on his feet now.

Looks like Leeds are about to make a couple of changes anyway. Ayling and Bamford likely to come on.


05:57 PM

64 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0     

Young and Koch have clattered into each other as Martinez charges out to clear away the free kick.

Young looks ok, but Koch is on the ground and is being looked over by the physios.

Koch receives treatment - Getty Images Europe
Koch receives treatment - Getty Images Europe

05:55 PM

63 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0   

Bailey picks up a yellow now for a silly challenge on Harrison.

That's his last act – turns out he's coming off for Buendia.


05:54 PM

62 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0   

Harrison with another foul on Konsa. A cheap free kick in a potentially dangerous area on the right.

Coutinho sends it in, but it doesn't clear the first defender.


05:53 PM

61 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0   

Harrison fouls Konsa, taking his legs from under him just outside the centre circle.

Watkins makes a run down the left, cuts inside and squares the ball... but it's not into the area where Ramsey wanted it, neither Coutinho. Meslier gathers.


05:52 PM

60 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0 

Ramsey has an effort from distance, but he doesn't get the placement he desires. Way off target.


05:51 PM

59 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0 

Villa are certainly looking the better side this second half. Leeds have hardly had an attacking opportunity.

But Villa are yet to capitalise on the extra man.


05:49 PM

57 mins: Leeds sub

Roca, who's on a yellow, comes off.

Junior Firpo comes on.


05:49 PM

56 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

It's very stop-start here. Another free kick given away by Leeds.

Young tries to pull a ball across from the left but it's deflected behind for a Villa corner.

Rodrigo heads the ball behind for another corner.

Meslier flaps at the ball after it's taken short, but it's not clear. He gathers the follow-up.


05:47 PM

55 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Koch is penalised for a trip on Watkins on the halfway line. He'll have a talking-to from Attwell, but no card.


05:45 PM

52 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Konsa fouled by Cooper on the far right. Villa with a wide free kick.

The Leeds discipline is fraying.


05:42 PM

49 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Bailey with  a cross from the right, a wicked ball in. Coutinho volleys, hits the post, it comes to Watkins, but he fluffs his lines. Golden chance.


05:41 PM

RED CARD: Leeds 0 Villa 0 (Sinisterra 47)

It's a second yellow for Sinisterra. He's blocked the forward ball from a rather innocuous Villa free kick in their own half. Jesse Marsch has his head in his hands.


05:37 PM

Second half begins

Villa get us back under way.


05:36 PM

The players emerge for the second half

Jesse Marsch retakes his seat in the stands.


05:34 PM

Stuart Attwell was kept busy in the first half, dishing out four yellows

Roca, Sinisterra and Rodrigo are in the book for Leeds. Augustinsson, who has gone off injured, picked one up for Villa.

Stuart Attwell  - AFP
Stuart Attwell - AFP

05:23 PM

Half time: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Four bookings but little in the way of chances in that first half.

Watkins produced a save from Meslier, and Rodrigo curled one just wide for Leeds. Overall it's been a frustrating first half for both teams.

Ollie Watkins has an effort saved by Meslier - REUTERS
Ollie Watkins has an effort saved by Meslier - REUTERS
Steven Gerrard at half time - Getty Images Europe
Steven Gerrard at half time - Getty Images Europe

05:19 PM

45+2 mins: Villa sub

Bednarek, who is on loan from Southampton, comes on for the injured Augustinsson.


05:18 PM

45+1 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0           

Harrison goes for a pass from deep on the right, into the danger area where Rodrigo is lurking.

But Rodrigo is deemed to have fouled his man in the box.

Augustinsson has gone down in the Villa box now, and Martinez has signaled to the bench that a substitute will be needed.

Ludwig Augustinsson goes down injured - Getty Images Europe
Ludwig Augustinsson goes down injured - Getty Images Europe

05:16 PM

45 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0         

Ramsey cuts the ball across to Bailey, who takes a touch, just inside the box, and fires... but it's straight at Meslier.

Three minutes of added time to come.


05:15 PM

43 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0         

Sinisterra plays in Struijk to his left, who is able to send a ball into the Villa box, but it's a poor one, too far ahead of Rodrigo and it's an easy gather for Martinez.


05:12 PM

40 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0       

Young plays through Ollie Watkins, inch-perfect, but Meslier comes out quickly and makes the save. Corner.

It all came from a very poor throw by Kristensen on the right which came straight to the Villa midfield.


05:09 PM

38 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0       

Rodrigo is shown a yellow card, it looks like for dissent after some hard challenges by Villa players that he's not happy about.


05:08 PM

36 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0     

Bailey loads the ball into the six-yard box, but it's cleared out to the right.

Another corner after Young plays a ball in, it's punched away, and Villa have another shot.

The next corner comes to nothing and Villa rebuild from Martinez.


05:06 PM

35 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0     

McGinn with an outside the box effort. It takes a deflection. Corner. Bailey to take.

Villa are trying to crowd the goalkeeper out. Attwell goes over to sort things out.


05:06 PM

33 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0   

Roca is carded for leaving a boot in on Watkins. He was never really going to get there.


05:04 PM

31 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0   

Konsa steams in on Rodrigo, sending him to the deck as they both go for a bouncing ball. The Leeds faithful are not happy, but VAR has a check and says it's legal. Quite a feisty encounter developing here at Elland Road – certainly not the first.

Konsa - Getty Images Europe
Konsa - Getty Images Europe

05:02 PM

30 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0 

Kristensen gives away a free kick, Coutinho rolling his ankle a little there.

Coutinho drifts it in, a great ball, but it's headed over by Watkins. The flag was up anyway.


05:01 PM

29 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0 

Douglas Luiz puts in an outswinging corner, looking for Mings to head the ball from deep into the six-yard box, but it's cleared away.


04:59 PM

28 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Struijk with a foul on Bailey, granting Villa a free kick on the right near the halfway line.

McGinn wins the header, it comes across to Ramsey who gets a shot away, but a timely block by Roca sends the ball out for a corner.


04:58 PM

25 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Sinisterra is carded for a foul on McGinn. A pretty clumsy one, clipping the heals of the Scotland international as he looks to break away from within his own half.

Ramsey has also gone down, hurting himself whilst trying to make a challenge on Roca.


04:54 PM

22 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Sinisterra goes past Young as though he's not even there and flashes a ground cross to Rodrigo who slides in but can't direct the ball on target. Elland Road is roaring.

Rodrigo follows up with an outside the D effort moments later, Konsa not stepping up to him. His shot grazes past the outside of the post.


04:50 PM

19 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0 

Both sides are trying to play quick football, but it's all a bit frantic at the moment and possession is quickly lost by both sides.


04:49 PM

17 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0 

Harrison to Rodrigo in the box. The latter has his back to goal and tries a back-heel across the face of goal, but it's deflected out for a corner.

Aaronson takes the corner, outswung to the edge of the six-yard box, Cooper gets his head on it, but he can't direct it goalward.


04:47 PM

15 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

A poor defensive header from Cooper allows Coutinho to have a look in. He works his way into the box, has a shot, it's saved and spilt by Meslier, but the Villa midfielder slips to ground and can't get to the rebound.

Coutinho effort - REUTERS
Coutinho effort - REUTERS

04:45 PM

13 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Harrison flashes a ball across the box, but no-one is to it. Martinez can't deal with the danger and it comes to Aaronson on the right, who cuts in and has a shot. Saved this time by the Villa keeper. Lots of movement in this Leeds attack.


04:43 PM

Steven Gerrard is the only manager in the dugout today

Jesse Marsch is serving his one-match ban.

Steven Gerrard - REUTERS
Steven Gerrard - REUTERS

04:42 PM

10 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Meslier completely misjudges a long free kick from near the halfway line on the left side. He commits to it and is left flapping at the ball which deflects out for a Villa corner. Off the hook.


04:40 PM

8 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Villa respond with an attack of their own up the right flank. The ball is send into the box, Watkins tries to get to it, but he can't control the ball and it's scooped away.

He had McGinn behind him who is asking his team-mate why he didn't leave it for him.


04:39 PM

7 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

A nice move by Leeds, Harrison drifting across the pitch allowing the full-backs to get involved in the attack. Rodrigo asks for it in the box, receives, but there are enough Villa players in the way to get the ball away.


04:35 PM

3 mins: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Augustinsson squares a free kick to Young, who tries to pick out Mings in the Leeds box, but he's well-tracked by Harrison who stays goal side of him and defends well.


04:33 PM

1 min: Leeds 0 Villa 0

Konsa looks for Bailey up the right channel. He's jumped upon by the Leeds players.

He thumps the ball away out of frustration for not getting the foul decision in his favour. Attwell gives him a talking to.


04:31 PM

Kick off!

Leeds get us going. Stuart Attwell officiates.

Jesse Marsch is up in the stands today, serving his one-match ban.


04:28 PM

The players emerge from the tunnel; a reminder of the line ups this afternoon

Leeds: Meslier, Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Struijk, Adams, Roca, Sinisterra, Aaronson, Harrison, Rodrigo.

Subs: Ayling, Firpo, Bamford, Summerville, Klaesson, Llorente, Gnonto, Greenwood, Klich.

Aston Villa: Martinez, Young, Konsa, Mings, Augustinsson, Ramsey, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Bailey, Watkins, Coutinho.

Subs: Sanson, Ings, Buendia, Nakamba, Bednarek, Olsen, Dendoncker, Archer, Bogarde.

Fans at Elland Road - REUTERS
Fans at Elland Road - REUTERS

04:27 PM

Warm ups are over

Philippe Coutinho - Action Images via Reuters
Philippe Coutinho - Action Images via Reuters
Crysencio Summerville - REUTERS
Crysencio Summerville - REUTERS
Illan Meslier of Leeds warms up alongside Marcos Abad, Goalkeeping Coach - Getty Images Europe
Illan Meslier of Leeds warms up alongside Marcos Abad, Goalkeeping Coach - Getty Images Europe

04:24 PM

Jesse Marsch and Steven Gerrard speak with Sky Sports before the match

Marsch on his suspension for today:

I think it'll be fine. I have tried to engage our leaders in our team to be very independent. It's a test of that today.

Gerrard:

It's a tough place to come, we're aware of that, but we're coming here for three points.


04:15 PM

It's four weeks since we last saw Leeds in action

It's allowed players to get back from the injury table, but also plenty of time to ruminate over that 5-2 thumping at the hands of Brentford.


04:11 PM

Team news

Jesse Marsch makes three changes from the defeat at Brentford, with captain Liam Cooper making his first Premier League appearance, with Rodrigo and Rasmus Kristensen also starting.

Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling – fully recovered after summer knee surgery – and teenage Italy forward Wilfried Gnonto are among the substitutes.

Steven Gerrard makes two changes, handing a club debut to Sweden full-back Ludwig Augustinsson and recalling Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz.

Patrick Bamford - PA
Patrick Bamford - PA

04:07 PM

Jesse Marsch is hoping director of football Victor Orta commits his future to the club

After the Todd Boehly clear out at Chelsea, Orta is understood to be among the leading candidates for a new sporting director's role at Stamford Bridge. Marsch said:

I'm not surprised he has been linked to some big jobs. I can unequivocally say he is very happy here and we have an incredible relationship.

Along with (chief executive) Angus (Kinnear) and (chairman) Andrea (Radrizzani) we've worked really well as a team and worked well in the transfer window.

Every window has set us up for success and I'm hopeful he stays because of his hard work and expertise.

Read Dani Gil's exclusive interview with Victor Orta where he explains why Marcelo Bielsa had to go – and what makes Jesse Marsch special.

Victor Orta  - Getty Images Europe
Victor Orta - Getty Images Europe

03:59 PM

Wilfried Gnonto is on the bench for Leeds this afternoon

The 18-year-old Italy international made his third start and laid on a goal for Giacomo Raspadori against Hungary on Monday evening. He arrived from FC Zurich on deadline day and signed a five-year deal.

Marsch said of him

I can say that he has pleasantly surprised all of us in almost every way. He's been fantastic.


03:50 PM

Manchester United have just scored another consolation at the Etihad

It's 6-3 now. Alan Tyers is leading our live coverage and will have all the reaction after the match.

Follow along here.


03:49 PM

And the scenes outside the ground

leeds vs aston villa live score premier league latest update - PA
leeds vs aston villa live score premier league latest update - PA
leeds vs aston villa live score premier league latest update - REUTERS
leeds vs aston villa live score premier league latest update - REUTERS
leeds vs aston villa live score premier league latest update - PA
leeds vs aston villa live score premier league latest update - PA

03:45 PM

Build up at Elland Road

leeds vs aston villa live score premier league latest update - Getty Images Europe
leeds vs aston villa live score premier league latest update - Getty Images Europe
leeds vs aston villa live score premier league latest update - REUTERS
leeds vs aston villa live score premier league latest update - REUTERS

03:40 PM

Breaking news coming out of Villa's West Midlands rivals

Wolves have sacked manager Bruno Lage. Former Olympiacos coach Pedro Martins is likely to emerge as a strong contender to replace Lage.

Bruno Lage - Getty Images Europe
Bruno Lage - Getty Images Europe

03:38 PM

Aston Villa's starting XI

Aston Villa: Martinez. Young, Konsa, Mings, Augustinsson, McGinn (captain), Douglas Luiz, J Ramsey, Bailey, Watkins, Coutinho.

Subs: Olsen. Sanson, Ings, Buendia, Nakamba, Bednarek, Dendoncker, Archer, Bogarde.


03:35 PM

The teams news has dropped: Leeds United's starting XI

Leeds: Meslier, Struijk, Kristensen, Koch, Cooper (captain), Adams, Roca. Aaronson, Sinisterra, Harrison, Rodrigo.

Subs: Klaesson, Ayling, Firpo, Llorente, Klich. Greenwood. Summerville, Bamford. Gnonto.


02:12 PM

Good afternoon!

Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport's live coverage of Leeds United's clash with Aston Villa at Elland Road, two teams which sit as neighbours in the bottom half of the table after underwhelming starts to their seasons.

Steven Gerrard's job is most at risk, although keeping Man City to a draw at Villa Park ahead of beating Southampton before the international break has given him some breathing space.

Jesse Marsch is banned from the touchline this afternoon after he was suspended and fined £10,000 by the FA following furious protests after his side were denied a second-half penalty in the defeat to Brentford.

But the American head coach of Leeds said he plans to turn the ban into an advantage: "I actually like the vantage point of being up high, I think it allows you to see the match better.

"I've often considered actually managing or coaching from that position, and then coming in at half-time and things like that.

"When I was in Leipzig, actually the last three matches I coached from the kitchen with Covid, so this is hardly as bad as that.

"I'll watch the game from the gantry and I'll have communication with the staff, but I believe that the team will be fully prepared and ready and I know that the staff will also do a really good job in my absence on the touchline."

Gerrard is without several first-choice players due to injury and he has challenged his fringe players to step up and make the most of the opportunity.

"You know you are going to have stages of the season where you get an injury or a couple at the same time, so we have tried to build a squad to be prepared for these situations," Gerrard said.

"But, for me, I get a lot of people knocking on my door  at times they are frustrated, at times they don't see that they are very close to an opportunity.

"And now, it's like, 'go on then, here is your time, here is your moment, back up what you have said when you have knocked on my door'.

"There will be opportunities for those players and I am looking forward to seeing how they play."