Leeds United, under iconic Marcelo Bielsa, are flying high with three back to back wins in the English Championship shaking off the shambles of last season. The famous former Argentina and Chile chief has transformed a dejected force into an unbeatable one banking on his philosophy as well as tactical masterclass and will be upbeat on Tuesday night while locking horns with Swansea City – the Wales heavyweights who were relegated from the Premier League but are tipped as one of the prime promotion contenders considering the experience and quality of resources they have in their current squad.
The Swans, too, are unbeaten so far this campaign ( 2W 1D) and will look to knock down the impressive Whites at Liberty Stadium in front of the home crowd who have been supportive despite the demotion. Leeds, however, are well aware of their opponents’ strength and will need to be at their absolute best to continue the streak.
Team News
Bielsa will have his first-choice options fit and ready to shine once again in spite of a congestion of fixtures but is set to miss the services of midfield star Adam Forshaw who is yet to return from an ankle injury. Stuart Dallas and Vurnon Anita, the versatile duo, is sidelined as well with their respective thigh and ankle strains.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup
Defence
Bailly Peacock-Farrell, the young academy graduate, was handed a regular role between the sticks towards the end of the previous term by Paul Heckingbottom. Although the gaffer suffered a dismissal within four months time, El Loco, his successor, did not splash the cash on an experienced campaigner and banked on the 21-year-old Northern Ireland international.
Luke Ayling has been magnificent so far down the right-hand side of the Whites ‘back four’ with relentless forward runs which saw him grab the opener against the Millers last weekend. Gaetano Berardi and Liam Cooper, the central defensive partners, looked nervy at times but reacted sharply to rectify errors and maintained resilience in deep defence to defend a lead. Barry Douglas has been a revelation in his preferred left fullback role since joining from Wolves earlier this summer and is likely to start against the Swans as a part of Leeds’ unaltered backline.
Midfield
Young Kalvin Phillips is adjusting himself in a new role as a deep-lying playmaker as well as a defensive blocker who is not only orchestrating the play from behind but also marshalling the ‘back four’ by breaking down several opposition attacks. He is being ably supported by Mateusz Klich, a forgotten man last season who has redefined himself under Bielsa with his hard work, box to box movements, goal scoring traits as well as midfield mastery. Samuel Saiz is also being utilized centrally who is working as their chief ball carrier.
Veteran Pablo Hernandez is capable of featuring on both the wings and so is Macedonian international Ezgjan Alioski. The duo is posing persistent threat using the width of the pitch and creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
Attack
Despite spending a decent sum on Patrick Bamford, the stunning scoring run of Kemar Roofe has left Bielsa with no option but to retain the same set of players for these crucial encounters. Roofe netted twice against the Rams and also found the back of the net in the season’s first Yorkshire derby exhibiting his magnificent scoring attribute versus Rotherham. He should start against the Swans at Liberty Stadium and Bamford, the former Chelsea prodigy might be introduced later on if the situation demands.
