Steve McClaren’s return to Derby County saw Leeds United experience a hiccup in their good run of form of late. Garry Monk’s start as the manager of the Whites was pretty underwhelming but the Yorkshire club managed to improve after a few games. However, they still lack the kind of consistency needed to finish this season inside top six.
Wigan athletic look like a cakewalk for the Whites on paper and in terms of recent form. The Latics are struggling and are 22nd in the Championship after making their way back to the second division, winning the League One last time.
16 points from 12 games- Leeds owner Massimo Cellino definitely had demanded more when he brought in Garry Monk this summer. Leeds have looked far from a side capable of getting close enough to promotion. Wigan is a must-win game for the Whites. Leeds are likely to stick to their favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. Here is the predicted Leeds United lineup against Wigan Athletic.
Defence
Veteran stopper Robert Green will line up between the sticks for the Whites. We expect Monk to stick to the centre-back pairing of Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson who have done really well lately. Liam Cooper is not the first-choice anymore at the Elland Road and must sit out and wait for his chance.
Luke Ayling is likely to start in the right-back position. Charlie Taylor will keep his place in the left-back position. Leeds have not conceded too many goals in the last few games and Monk will demand a similar showing from his side.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O’Kane are likely to start as the two central midfielders. Youngster Kalvin Phillips is having his best spell as a first-team player at Leeds United doing so well to fill in the void of Liam Bridcutt who remains out with an injury. The 20-year-old will get an extended run in the starting XI alongside experience O’Kane who switched from Premier League side Bournemouth this summer.
Attack
Youngster Hadi Sacko will keep his place on the right flank. Stuart Dallas missed the trip to Derby with an injury and is expected to make his way back to the starting XI. The Northern Irishman was a big miss for the Whites against the Rams and Monk will desperately want one of his key players to remain fit for the midweek game.
Pablo Hernandez should keep his place as the number ten. Kiwi international Chris Wood will keep his place up front and will be in search of his sixth goal this season.
