Two teams, who are truly in the running for promotion this season, will lock horns with each other on Friday night in the Championship. Leeds United will take on Derby County at Elland Road in the 26th gameweek. Five points separate the two sides who are fifth and seventh respectively on the table. Leeds United’s form of late will give them the upper hand over the Rams but Monk will not accept any kind of complacency from his boys.
Monk named a much-changed side in the FA Cup game on Monday but still managed to overcome Cambridge United. The game ended 2-1 in favour of the Whites. We can expect Monk to revert back to his favoured XI against Derby to ensure that Leeds stay in the race for playoffs if not more. Considering that Newcastle United have faced a hiccup in their form lately, Leeds’ chance for claiming automatic promotion still remains a possibility.
Leeds’ head to head record against Derby is pretty bad. The two sides have met each other 19 times in the Championship and Leeds United have won just 4 games losing 12 to the Rams. The reverse fixture also ended 1-0 win for the Rams and Leeds will be keen to take a revenge.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup Vs Derby County
Defence
Robert Green will claim his place back under the bar from Marco Silvestri. Luke Ayling was rested in the FA Cup game and will be recalled at right-back.
Liam Cooper is fit for the game shaking off the minor injury he suffered against Cambridge United. With Pontus Jansson missing through suspension, Cooper will start at the heart of the defence.
Kyle Bartley has been the leader of Leeds’ back four this season and will start alongside Cooper.
With Charlie Taylor still being few days from full fitness, Gaetano Berardi will start at left-back.
