Leeds United will recommence their brilliant Championship run in a crunch clash with playoff contenders Reading FC, as they visit the Madejski Stadium after the two-week interlull. The Whites are on a seven-game unbeaten streak at the moment and nine points adrift of league leaders Newcastle United.
With the playoff qualification spot pretty much in the hands of Leeds, Garry Monk would aim nothing less than a top two finish now. And winning against Reading would be a giant stride towards it. Monk’s men overran Reading by two goals the last time they met in December, and the manager would expect his men to bring the fight to the hosts.
One look at the respective home and away forms of two sides and it would be clear that we are ready for a high-octane clash this Saturday. Reading have the third best home record in the Championship this season collecting 41 points from the 19 home games, while Leeds have the sixth best away record. They have collected 27 points from 18 away games.
Strongest Leeds United XI vs Reading FC
Defence
Robert Green is likely to take his position under the bar. The 37-year-old got a fortnight to rest and should be fresh to start.
The back line isn’t expected to change very much from Leeds United’s last league win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Charlie Taylor should start on the left defensive flank while Gaetano Berardi is likely to take his place in the right-back’s position.
The central defensive duo will be the ever-reliable Liam Cooper and Kyle Bartley. Bartley has netted four goals so far this season and would be expecting to increase his tally.
Midfield
Monk deployed two pivots last game in Liam Bridcutt and Ronaldo Viera and the duo has been brilliant. They provide the perfect balance of offence and defence from the middle of the park, which helps the other five in the attacking third to go all out carefree.
The number 10 role is expected to be taken by Pablo Hernandez. The 31-year-old Spaniard has been the main orchestrator of Leeds’ attack scoring four goals and assisting eight times. It is he who binds the two wingers and the centre forward perfectly.
Attack
Kemar Roofe will start on the left wing. The 24-year-old has scored four goals and provided five assists so far. Hadi Sacko is expected to take the other flank. The attack should be spearheaded by Souleymane Doukara as fan favourite Chris Wood is out with an injury. The Senegalese has netted five goals and three assists so far and should pose enough threat up front for Reading’s defence.
