Leeds United started their new season in a horrific fashion as they were thrashed 3-0 by Queens Park Rangers on the opening day. Garry Monk’s side beat Fleetwood on penalties in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, so those who played the full 120 minutes will be assessed for fatigue ahead of their game against Birmingham on Saturday.
Monk will be eager to come back from the disappointing result his side suffered on the opening day. The former Swansea boss was brought in this summer by owner Massimo Cellino to bring back smiles to the fans’ faces. The humbling defeat against QPR was far from what the fans would have expected. It was a dismal start of the season but Monk needs a bit time to bring out the best from his side.
Here is the predicted Leeds United lineup against Birmingham.
Defence
Veteran Robert Green is likely to start ahead of Marco Silvestri between the sticks. Gaetano Berardi set to miss out for Leeds. The full-back injured his hamstring 22 minutes into last weekend’s opener at QPR and is doubtful. New signing from Bristol City Luke Ayling is likely to start his first game for the Whites in the right-back position. Skipper Sol Bamba will start the game at the heart of the defence and is likely to be partnered by Kyle Bartley even though Liam Cooper is back from a pre-season injury and was given 45 minutes in that game to get his match fitness back. Charlie Taylor will start in the left full-back position.
Midfield
Toumani Diagouraga is likely to start in the middle of the park and his main job will be to protect the back four. Monk has plenty of options to choose from, particularly in the midfield department. Loanee Matt Grimes is likely to get the nod ahead of players like Mowatt, Vieira, Murphy and Whitehouse.
Kemar Roofe will start the game on the right flank while Stuart Dallas is likely to start on the left-hand side. Pablo Hernandez could get a start in the number ten role.
Attack
Marcus Antonsson scored his first goal for the club after coming on as a substitute against Fleetwood Town. The Swede could be in line for his first start in a Leeds jersey ahead of Chris Wood.
