Injury-stricken Leeds United were in trouble at the Den against Millwall on Saturday afternoon but managed to stretch their unbeaten Championship streak thanks to a late equaliser by Jack Harrison.
Leeds are set to host Preston North End on Tuesday night – the same side who handed them their only defeat so far this campaign in the League Cup second round tie around three weeks ago.
Leeds United Team News
Several significant injury blows have Marcelo Bielsa into making changes against Millwall and the situation has not improved in past couple of days.
Gaetano Berardi, out with a knee injury, is set to be sidelined for three more weeks while veteran Pablo Hernandez has been ruled out for four to five weeks having suffered a hamstring strain against Norwich City.
Kemar Roofe, their prolific goalscorer, is unlikely to return this month with a calf strain but youngster Jamie Shackleton has gotten better is set to re-join the training group by the end of next week.
The Whites, however, will continue to miss Patrick Bamford who suffered a posterior cruciate ligament damage while featuring for the U23s and has been ruled out for four long months.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock-Farrell has been consistent between the sticks and was recently rewarded with his competitive senior debut for Northern Ireland against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League tie.
The back four should remain the same as Luke Ayling and Barry Douglas should feature as the fullbacks. Skipper Liam Cooper has found his new central defensive partner in Pontus Jansson who is having a good run of games in Berardi’s absence and the Swedish international put in a top performance against Millwall.
Jansson had 92 touches, highest among the Leeds players and won 12 aerial duels. He was spot-on while tackling (4 out of 6 successful tackles) and made 17 clearances – a number suggests his no-nonsense.
Midfield
Adam Forshaw returned to action as a second-half substitute after quite a lengthy spell on the sideline but is likely to stay on the bench as Kalvin Phillips should be given the nod to start. Phillips had a pass accuracy of 80% last time and won 5 aerial duels and is a key part of what Bielsa is trying to achieve at Elland Road.
Mateusz Klich has been a revelation under Bielsa. He maintained a 92% pass success rate and also had 2 key passes before being replaced by Lewis Baker around the hour mark.
Samuel Saiz needs to up his game after a few quieter outings following a bright start. Ezgjan Alioski worked hard against Millwall but didn’t have the output. Playing at home, the fans will expect more from the Macedonian.
Jack Harrison, the young Manchester City loanee, is set to retain his place on the right flank in place of the injured Pablo Hernandez following his 89th-minute equaliser against Millwall which saved Leeds’ unbeaten record.
Attack
Teenager Tyler Roberts will now have a run of games with both Roofe and Bamford out injured. The youngster was lauded by the gaffer for his efforts high up the pitch despite wasting a few opportunities and should be upbeat. He will get better with more game time.
