After playing out a 2-2 draw with Derby County at the Pride Park Stadium on Thursday, Leeds United are due to host Brentford on Saturday in their next Championship fixture. Here is how we expect Paul Heckingbottom to roll out his starting line-up against the Bees this weekend.
Team News
Pablo Hernandez is a major doubt for Leeds United as he picked up a groin injury while plying his trade against Derby County. Besides, Luke Ayling and Tyler Roberts continue to remain long-term absentees for the Yorkshire based outfit.
Goalkeeper
Felix Wiedwald is expected to be given yet another start between the sticks. The 27-year-old shot-stopper has notched up 11 clean sheets from 25 league appearances and has made 2.12 saves per game on an average.
Defence
We expect Heckingbottom to continue with his four-man defensive wall comprising of Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson at the heart of it. Jansson and Cooper have been decent and should be able to offer their resilience at the back.
Laurens De Bock is expected to drop to the bench as the left-back was responsible, along with Wiedwald, in conceding goals against the Rams. Thus, Gaetano Berardi is likely to start from the left-back slot. For the right-back position, Vurnon Anita could be the one to be given the nod to start.
Midfield
Ronaldo Vieira and Adam Forshaw are anticipated to be pencilled in the defensive midfield position. These two need to dictate the tempo of the game from the middle of the park, cushion the backline and at the same time, they would be asked to gallop forward to create chances for their side.
Samuel Saiz has 5 goals and as many assists to his name in 23 Championship appearances this season and he is likely to operate from the no.10 position. He is an astute passer of the ball, creates a fair amount of chances for his teammates and has the helpful tendency to pop up in the right areas.
Attack
Pierre-Michel Lasogga found the back of the net against Derby County and he is likely to spearhead the Peacocks. It would be important for Lasogga to keep his form going and he really needs to make his presence felt this weekend as well.
Stuart Dallas should find himself being placed on the right-wing to offer his attacking tooth in the final third, whereas Ezgjan Alioski, after having scored against Gary Rowett’s side, might be pencilled on the left-flank by Heckingbottom.
