Leeds United narrowly won an exciting and open game against Birmingham City on Sunday, as the score finished 5-4 in the Whites’ favour.
The win took the Whites to the top of the league, overtaking West Bromwich Albion, and the two teams clash on New Year’s Day at the Hawthorns.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have to be better at the back as they have conceded 10 goals in the last four league games, and will have a tough test considering their opponents have scored more goals than any other team in the Championship.
Leeds United Team News
Tyler Roberts was a late substitute last time around, making his first appearance in a month. Jamie Shackleton could also return to the side with Bielsa revealing ahead of the Birmingham City game that the midfielder was close to a return.
Patrick Bamford missed the last game due to a dead leg, but he should return for this game. Pablo Hernandez and Adam Forshaw are still on the sidelines.
Let’s take a look at the possible Leeds United team for the game against West Bromwich Albion.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs West Brom
Goalkeeper
Kiko Casilla should start in goal for Leeds United, and he’ll hope to concede fewer than he did against Birmingham City.
Defence
If Bielsa continues with his three-man defence, we could see the same three central defenders continue – Ben White, Liam Cooper, and Luke Ayling.
Ayling scored a goal in the last game against Birmingham City. Gaetano Berardi is an option if Bielsa decides to rest one of the aforementioned trio.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips should start as the deepest midfielder in the Leeds United lineup, flanked by Ezgjan Alioski on the left and Stuart Dallas on the right.
Dallas got on the scoresheet last time around, while Alioski registered two assists. Mateusz Klich should start further ahead in the middle for Leeds.
Tyler Roberts is an option if Bielsa decides to revert to a back four and add an attacking player to play beside Klich.
Attack
Patrick Bamford should return to the Leeds United lineup and replace Eddie Nketiah, the latter who could be recalled by the Gunners.
Jack Harrison put in a fantastic performance last time around and he should start on the left, while Helder Costa – who opened the scoring for Leeds against Birmingham – should start on the right side of attack.
