Leeds United’s Championship promotion hopes suffered yet another blow as the Whites went 2-0 down quite shockingly to a struggling Cardiff City side, who were clinical in their game and achieved only their second clean sheet this season against Gary Monk’s side. After their last week defeat to title contenders Huddersfield Town, it was imperative that the team got back to winning ways with a quick win, but it was not to happen.
Good thing the next league fixture comes in two days’ time as Leeds fans will get a quick chance to get over their weekend frustration when the side host bottom of the table side Bristol City. And although Leeds United have garnered a decent 32 points from 16 games played at home, they have also seen some shocking defeats at Elland Road this season, Cardiff being the latest instance.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup Vs Bristol City
Defence
Robert Green isn’t having the best of games lately but the boss is expected to continue put his trust on the 37-year-old under the bar. The old general has kept 11 clean sheets so far and has the safest pair of hands available to Monk.
The back line has not been quite assuring for Monk of late and we expect the manager to make changes with little rest between the two games. The full-backs ought to remain the same with Luke Ayling on the right back slot and Gaetano Berardi on the left. We expect Pontus Jansson to come in the place of Liam Cooper to partner with Kyle Bartley in the central defence.
Midfield
Newcomers Modou Barrow and Kemar Roofe should be handed a place in the starting berths on the left and right wing, respectively. Barrow was left unused from the bench in the last week and should start the game afresh. Alfonso Pedraza started the last game and remained really ineffective before Roofe was subbed in for him in the final quarter of the game.
Leeds United will hugely miss the services of skipper Liam Bridcutt in the central midfield, who got sent off against Cardiff following two yellow cards. Monk is expected to play Ronaldo Vieira and Eunan O’Kane as a double pivot this time.
Attack
Pablo Hernandez is expected to take his position as the number 10. Although the Spaniard could find a way to unlock Bristol City’s defence, there is no doubt in his abilities to find the best man up front.
The striker will undoubtedly be Chris Wood. The New Zealand goal machine had one of the rare games last week, where he went without scoring.
