Championship outfit Leeds United were held to a 0-0 draw by a ten-man Preston North End side as the West Yorkshire based club failed to capitalize on what was an excellent opportunity to bag two wins on the trot. It was a story of two points being dropped rather than winning one point as one would back the Whites to clinch a victory owing to the squad they have with an extra man, that too at their own backyard.
With 4 points from 2 games in the Championship, Leeds United are placed 7th in the league table and are due to host Fulham in the midweek fixture. The Cottagers haven’t had a spectacular start under their belt, having shared points with Norwich City and Reading in their first two outings. Thomas Christiansen’s outfit should be attempting to worsen the form of the London based club and here is how we anticipate Christiansen to dish out his starting line-up:
Defence
After a clean sheet against Preston (although he didn’t have much to do), Felix Wiedwald should be stationed as the custodian between the sticks at the Elland Road this midweek.
At the heart of the defence of the Peacocks, Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper are expected to start once again. The pair didn’t do anything spectacular against the Lilywhites and it goes without saying that they would certainly be tested by Fulham’s attackers.
On the left-back as well as the right-back slots, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Luke Ayling, respectively, are believed to be engineered. The fullbacks fared well in their last outing and it would be really surprising if any one of them don’t get a nod to start.
Midfield
Christiansen has a plethora of stars in his arsenal to fill his midfield and thus, there would be headaches for him to decide whom he should go in with. Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O’Kane are likely to start from the middle of the pitch to cushion the backline and to also push the game up the pitch.
Pablo Hernandez might have garnered some good moments and occasional sparks of magic against Preston but against Slavisa Jokanovic’s men, we anticipate Christiansen to replace him with Samuel Saiz for the no.10’s role.
Attack
On the left-wing, Ezgjan Alioski is anticipated to be used in the starting line-up whereas on the right-wing, Stuart Dallas should be replacing Kemar Roofe after a sluggish outing of the latter against Preston.
Right up front, Chris Wood should be leading the line. The New Zealand international wasted a lot of opportunities in the last game and would certainly have to up his game from here on.
