Leon Bailey credited Unai Emery for helping him “learn again” ahead of Aston Villa’s Premier League clash with Leeds United on Saturday.

Emery’s side will look to cut the gap on leaders Arsenal, while they are also just three points adrift of second-placed Manchester City, when they host the Whites.

And Bailey will be keen to make an impression, having returned to Villa Park in January following a short, fruitless loan spell with Roma, should he get the chance to start against Leeds.

His first start since returning was cut short as he was withdrawn for Emiliano Martinez after goalkeeper Marco Bizot was sent off in the first half in Villa’s 3-1 home FA Cup defeat to Newcastle United.

But Bailey is back to enjoying his football under Emery, who he holds in high regard.

“I did miss the manager a lot, too. He is, for me, the best manager I’ve had, and I think he’s amazing,” Bailey said on the club’s official podcast.

“Not just the manager, the staff around it as well. All of them, they all play a massive part. They’ve helped my career a lot, and I’m grateful for that.

“To be back in that environment is amazing. I feel like I’m learning again. I feel like I’m in a good place.”

Weekend prep pic.twitter.com/FL0vsHEoKF

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 18, 2026

Bailey has appeared off the bench four times in the Premier League since his return from Roma, with his corner creating the opening for Jack Hinshelwood’s late own goal in a 1-0 win over Brighton last time out.

Leeds will head to Villa Park full of confidence, however, given they claimed an impressive 2-2 comeback draw away to Chelsea in their last league outing.

Daniel Farke’s side followed that up with a nervy penalty shoot-out win over Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round, making it three games unbeaten across all competitions since they beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 on February 6.

And the Leeds boss will be desperate to keep that run going to edge his side further towards safety, with Leeds sitting 15th and six points clear of the bottom three before the weekend’s action.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aston Villa – Morgan Rogers

Rogers scored both goals in Villa’s 2-1 win over Leeds in November as Emery’s side came from behind to quieten Elland Road.

The England international leads all Villa players in the Premier League this season for chances created (33), big chances created (10), assists (five), take-ons (101) and touches in the opposition box (131).

His eight goals in the competition are also the joint-most of any Villa player this campaign.

Leeds United – Lukas Nmecha

Although Dominic Calvert-Lewin will likely return for this clash, Nmecha remains a key figure in Farke’s attack.

Nmecha has been involved in three goals in his last two Premier League appearances (two goals, one assist). He also slammed in a brilliant finish against Birmingham last weekend.

He is also averaging a goal every 115 minutes this season – the best ratio of any Leeds player in Premier League history to play 500+ minutes for the club.

MATCH PREDICTION: ASTON VILLA WIN

Villa appear the heavy favourites for this clash, and Emery will be looking for another victory to keep the pace with Arsenal and Man City.

The hosts will head into this with confidence as well, given they are unbeaten in all 18 of their Premier League games against promoted sides under Emery (W14 D4).

Villa are unbeaten in their last six top-flight games against Leeds (W4 D2), and victory on Saturday would see them do the double over them for the second time in the competition, having done so in 1999-00.

Leeds have lost two league meetings with Emery’s side, though they have not suffered defeat in three straight such matches since a run between January and December 2000.

Although his side has competed well this campaign, Farke will know they must improve on the road – Leeds have won just one of their last 18 Premier League away games (D5 L12).

Having beaten relegation rivals Wolves 3-1 in September, Leeds are winless in their last 10 on the road, but five of their previous six have finished level.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Aston Villa win – 66.2%

Draw – 18.4%

Leeds United win – 15.4%