After a promising start to the Championship campaign under the stewardship of Thomas Christiansen, Leeds United’s form has been absolutely shambolic in the last few outings. The Whites lost 5 of their last 6 league games and as a consequence, they currently find themselves under immense pressure.
The fans and media have been vocal against Christiansen and the manager must chalk out something brilliant with his troops on Saturday as they make a trip to the Griffin Park in order to lock horns with Brentford. Here is how we expect the Yorkshire based club to line-up against the Bees this weekend.
Defence
Although Christiansen has Felix Wiedwald in his books, Andy Lonergan has emerged as his preferred option lately and Lonergan is seemingly likely to be the one being placed between the sticks as the custodian. Ahead of him, we expect the pair of Pontus Jansson and Matthew Pennington being engineered. These two central defenders have worked well together and should find a place in the starting line-up this weekend.
At the right-back slot, Luke Ayling is anticipated to start the game, although he hasn’t been in an appealing form in the last few games. It is about time for him to up the ante and start producing stellar outings week in and week out. Gaetano Berardi has made a return from injury and given the industrious toil he showcases, he should be getting a nod to start the game.
Midfield
Eunan O’Kane started the season brilliantly but has waned substantially of late. However, he might get the chance to start against Smith’s side but he has to redeem the best out of himself from here on to maintain his stature in the side. Along with him, Ronaldo Vieira is expected to start in the middle of the park.
The duo has to shield the backline in a resilient fashion and has to knit the side together as a unit. Samuel Saiz might be manoeuvred into the no. 10 position, and it goes without saying that he has to put his offensive and creative prowess on display.
Attack
Summer signing, Pierre-Michel Lasogga, is anticipated to spearhead the attack of the Peacocks against Brentford. Lasogga banged his fifth league goal in the last outing for his club and he would be keen to add more goals to his name. From the right flank, we expect to see Ezgjan Alioski to start, whereas on the left-wing, Stuart Dallas should be the one to be opted by Christiansen.
This is how they might line up:
