Championship leaders, Wolverhampton Wanderers, will make a trip to the Elland Road on Wednesday to face Leeds United. While Nuno Espirito Santo’s side suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham, the Whites also succumbed in their last league game as Middlesbrough secured a commanding 3-0 win over them.
Both these sides would be keen to bounce back from their loss. Paul Heckingbottom’s side are currently placed at the 12th spot in the league table, having collected 49 points from 35 league outings, and are 8 points adrift of the 6th spot which is currently held by Bristol City.
Team News
Although Leeds United will be without the services of Kemar Roofe and Andy Lonergan, Pablo Hernandez is back in training and the Spaniard’s return would be a massive boost for the Championship outfit. Meanwhile, Luke Ayling, Conor Shaughnessy and Tyler Roberts are the long-term absentees due to their injury. Here is how we expect Heckingbottom to roll out his starting line-up.
Goalkeeper
Felix Wiedwald was terrible between the sticks against the Smoggies. However, the existing circumstances might render him the opportunity to start with the gloves once again against the league leaders. While Lonergan is injured, Heckingbottom is far from being impressed by Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Defence
Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson weren’t in-sync in the last league game and they can’t afford a repeat. They are expected to line up at the central defence against Espirito Santo’s troops but there is no denying that they need to step up further.
Vurnon Anita did not have the best of games and might concede his place to Laurens De Bock. At the right-back, we expect Heckingbottom to give the green light to Gaetano Berardi.
Midfield
Eunan O’Kane and Kalvin Phillips started as the central midfielders against Tony Pulis’ men and both of them had a really poor game. They created almost nothing and were hardly able to shield the backline. Thus, we expect to see Adam Forshaw and Ronaldo Vieira as the central midfielders this time around.
Samuel Saiz has 5 goals and 5 assists to his name from 25 league outings and it is anticipated that he would feature as the no.10 for the Yorkshire based club once again. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder can certainly offer a lot of creativity in the final third.
Attack
Pierre-Michel Lasogga would be a key man in the upcoming fixture. The German striker is expected to lead the line and he has to make his presence felt against a top-quality opposition. Hadi Sacko might get the nod to start from the right-wing whereas Stuart Dallas would be a sensible option to be used on the left-wing.
