Leeds United return to Premier League action tonight, having rescued their FA Cup run with a late comeback against Cardiff City.

In what is poised to be a tactically diverse match-up, the Whites travel to face Aston Villa, who have seen something of an uplift since the appointment of Unai Emery before the World Cup-enforced break.

It has been a tough time for fans of the Yorkshire club, given how their team are yet to pick up a win in all competitions since the resumption of domestic football three weeks ago. As such, they will want to right those wrongs tonight, and to give themselves the best possible chance of doing so, they will need to employ a solid foundation.

Emery's teams are known to be solid defensively, so conceding first could be disastrous for Leeds. Therefore, Jesse Marsch must add his newest signing into the mix, having omitted him from the starting line-up which drew at Cardiff.

Max Wober moved to Elland Road ten days ago in a deal worth £10m, and comes with a glowing recommendation from his new manager's former club Red Bull Salzburg.

Whether it's Pascal Struijk or Diego Llorente who makes way, the Austrian must now begin the process of acclimatising to his new home.

If he can translate his form with Salzburg into success in England, especially in tonight's fixture, then it could prove to be one of the signings of the transfer window thus far.

Before moving to Leeds, the 24-year-old had a 7.28 average Sofascore rating. This was upheld by some impressive defensive statistics as he averaged 1.2 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and 2.1 clearances per 90, but more importantly composure on the ball which could be imperative in building attacks.

The centre-back has averaged a 77% pass accuracy and a 63% dribble success rate in 2022/23 (via Sofascore).

The modern defender needs to be able to play out from the back, and it seems their newest acquisition is comfortable in doing so whilst retaining a steely resolve.

Comparing this with the aforementioned Spaniard, who has only managed a 6.67 average rating from Sofascore, it is clear that Wober marks an instant upgrade on Llorente.

What also makes him a tempting option for the game at Villa Park is his robust nature, which could prove instrumental in silencing Danny Ings.

The 30-year-old Villa marksman has six league goals this season, scoring three of those in his last four games under his new boss.

However, having been described as "a leader, a beast one vs one, strong in the air" by journalist Beren Cross, the Austrian defender seems to boast the attributes needed to silence the in-form Ings.

There is no better time than now for Marsch to hand Wober his full Whites debut, in the hope that the 24-year-old can play a big role in securing a fine result on the road.