After a few stalemates in the Championship, Leeds United returned to their dominating best with a 3-0 win over Preston North End at the Elland Road.
Leeds were hardly troubled by Preston and picked up their first win after three games in all competitions. Marcelo Bielsa’s side will next take on the Birmingham City at Elland Road and will be confident of picking up a win as the away team are one of only two sides yet to pick up a win.
Leeds United Team News
Gaetano Berardi is fit again after recovering from a knee injury but he is unlikely to be rushed into the starting line-up. Striker Patrick Bamford is out until the middle of January. Bielsa will also be without the services of Kemar Roofe, Pablo Hernandez and Isaiah Brown who are all sidelined.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock-Farrell should keep his place in goal. It doesn’t look like he’ll be displaced from the starting XI anytime soon unless he makes a few glaring errors. Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper should start as the two centre-halves. The former had an impressive outing against Preston and will want to keep up his good form.
Jansson has been rock-solid at the back and averages 2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 5.4 clearances per game. He has formed an excellent understanding with Cooper and these two will play a key role in the coming months.
While Luke Ayling is likely to start as the right-back, former Wolverhampton Wanderers man Barry Douglas is expected to start on the left.
Douglas has managed more tackles in a game (3) on an average than any other Leeds player and his defensive work ethic has been a key factor in Leeds having a good record. The Scot hasn’t shied away from making a mark up the pitch as well. He has 3 assists to his name and averages at least 1 key pass a game.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips might get the call to operate as the central defensive midfielder against the Blues once again.
Jack Harrison, Samu Saiz, Mateusz Klich and Stuart Dallas are expected to form the quartet of attacking players. Dallas might get the nod to start after Alioski’s subdued performance against Preston.
Attack
Tyler Roberts scored a brace against Preston North End and Bielsa is likely to persist with him owing to the lack of options. His work ethic is pretty impressive as well and his confidence will be high after his midweek display.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored