Leeds United managed to secure all three points against Brentford on Saturday as Liam Cooper’s goal in the first half proved to be the difference between the two sides. The Whites are currently placed 11th in the Championship table with 49 points to their name after 34 games.
There is still a lot of work to be done by Paul Heckingottom’s troops to pave their way into the top-six. On Friday, Leeds United are due to face Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium and here is how we expect the Peacocks to line-up against Tony Pulis’ men.
Goalkeeper
Felix Wiedwald is expected to be handed the role of the custodian once again in the upcoming fixture. The 27-year-old shot-stopper has notched up 12 clean sheets in 27 league appearances and will be aiming to add one more to his tally.
Defence
Heckingbottom is likely to station a four-man defensive wall against the Boro with Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper at the heart of it. The two performed well against Brentford and it is highly unlikely we’ll see a different pairing.
We expect Vurnon Anita to start in the left-back slot once again despite the availability of Leeds’ only recognised left-back Laurens De Bock. Anita performed well at the weekend and deserves to get the nod to start. In the right-back position, we expect to see the industry of Gaetano Berardi.
Midfield
Adam Forshaw would relish plying his trade against his former side as he is hopeful for a return after missing out on the clash against the Bees. Kalvin Phillips is likely to be placed alongside him in the middle of the park as Eunan O’Kane and Ronaldo Vieira have been erratic of late.
Samuel Saiz’s creativity would be really needed against the Smoggies and he is expected to be handed the role of the no.10 once again in the upcoming game. He needs to create chances at any cost as the game in a huge one with respect to Leeds United’s chances for promotion to the top flight.
Attack
Pierre-Michel Lasogga is likely to start up front for the Yorkshire based outfit. The 26-year-old striker has smashed in 10 goals and registered 3 assists from 22 league games. Ezgjan Alioski is likely to get the green light to start on the left flank whereas, on the other side, Stuart Dallas is expected to start.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored & Squawka