Leeds United ran away a commendable 2-0 winners against Ipswich Town at Elland Road this Wednesday to return to the top of the Championship table. The Whites have picked up 26 points from 14 games and will look at being more consistent in the coming weeks.
Marcelo Bielsa shuffled his tactics in the previous game and it worked well for the Yorkshire based outfit. On Saturday, they will host Nottingham Forest at home.
The head to head record between the two sides is even if we consider the last six games. Both the sides have won twice, draw twice and lost twice.
Leeds United Team News
Pontus Jansson will return from suspension against the Tricky Trees after serving his one-match ban. Izzy Brown and Patrick Bamford are still sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Gaetano Berardi is likely to be absent after limping off the pitch against the Tractor Boys and Barry Douglas is not expected to return until Monday.
Predicted Leeds United lineup
Defence
Bailey Peacock-Farrell is expected to start under the bar once again. The custodian was barely tested in the mid-week clash, thanks to a good defensive showing by the Peacocks.
The injuries have limited Bielsa’s options, so Jansson, Liam Cooper, and Kalvin Phillips could start in the three-man backline. Cooper has mustered 1.2 tackles, 2.3 interceptions, 5.7 clearances and 1.1 blocks per game on an average so far this campaign.
Midfield
With Phillips dropping to the defence, we could see Mateusz Klich playing in the deeper midfield role. Luke Ayling and Ezgjan Alioski could start as the two wing-backs and stretch play while going forward.
Samu Saiz is expected to start as the number 10 and play at the tip of the midfield diamond that worked well against struggling Ipswich last time out.
Attack
Kemar Roofe found the back of the net against Ipswich Town, and he is expected to lead the line once again. The 25-year-old has scored five goals and registered two assists so far and the goal against Ipswich will give him good confidence after returning from injury.
Pablo Hernandez had an equally impressive game as he provided both the assists and was at his fluent best. Stuart Dallas is pushing for a start, but Bielsa could stick with young Jack Harrison on the left wing.
Harrison – Roofe – Hernandez
Alioski – Saiz – Klich – Ayling
Jansson – Cooper – Phillips
Peacock-Farrell
Statistics Credits: WhoScored