Expectations have started to soar up as the new Championship season is looming ahead. Unlike other seasons, this summer has been a bit different as clubs witnessed a rapid growth in the transfer fees. With 46 games in hand, clubs are bound to face various problems but that is the beauty of this English second tier.
Often termed as a much stricter version of the Premier League, where the game relies on much more creativity and possession but the adrenaline rush in the Championship is much higher. Here, the game is much more physical and players often find it difficult to acclimatize with the rough and tough nature of the Championship.
Thomas Christiansen will have utmost pressure on his shoulder and any finish less than the playoff qualification mark would be seen as a disastrous performance. Leeds will kick start their promotional campaign against Bolton Wanderers who became the runners up in the League One last season.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup Against Bolton Wanderers
Defence
New arrival Felix Wiedwald is expected to be in between the sticks for the opening game. Robert Green’s future is in doldrums and given the current condition, the summer arrival is the best option at Christiansen’s disposal.
Swedish international Pontus Jansson is currently serving a suspension for the first two games so Mathew Pennington should get the go ahead to start in this crucial campaign. He is expected to have the company of Liam Cooper to safeguard the Whites’ backline.
Luke Ayling should get the nod in the right back position while Gaetano Berardi should step in to feature on the left-hand side.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips has impressed in the pre-season in the centre of the pitch and he is expected to hold onto his place in the starting lineup.
Eunan O’Kane is expected to assist him in the midfield. The 27-year-old played a bit part role but the new gaffer is likely to offer him a more prominent role this season.
Attack
Not many of the new arrivals will get a chance to showcase their potentials in the first match. Assuming Christiansen will start with a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, Pablo Hernandez is a definite starter in this setup. He is likely to set the course of play from the No. 10 position.
Ezgjan Alioski will have a chance to display his showman ship in the right wing. Kemar Roofe should start on the left side. Chris Wood is expected to spearhead the Whites’ attack for this tie.
Here is how they might line up:
