Leeds United secured a 2-0 away win against Barnsley to cultivate some much-needed positivity after their disastrous 4-1 defeat at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers, and on Friday, the Whites are due to face Aston Villa in a crucial Championship game.
Thomas Christiansen’s men are placed at the 8th spot in the league table and the upcoming fixture would be a huge one for them, as the Villans are also one of the favourites to earn the promotion. Here is how the Yorkshire-based club might line up against Steve Bruce’s outfit.
Defence
Summer signing, Felix Wiedwald is expected to start between the sticks for Leeds United. Wiedwald managed to keep a clean sheet against Barnsley and thus, there exists no apparent reason to drop him.
At the heart of their defence, the pair of Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson might be stationed. These two defenders haven’t cultivated a spectacular season for themselves so far and it would be important for them to stand firm against the Lions.
At the right-back position, we expect Luke Ayling to start the proceedings as his industry down the right would hold paramount importance, whereas, at the left-back position, Gaetano Berardi might be given the nod despite the loopholes he has been showcasing lately.
Midfield
In the middle of the park, Ronaldo Vieira in anticipated to come back into the place at the expense of Eunan O’Kane and Kalvin Phillips might be the one partnering him to not only shield the backline but to also dictate the tempo of the game from the middle as well as to knit the side together as a unit.
Behind the striker, Samu Saiz is likely to be handed yet another start by Christiansen, given his fine form and notably, he did score a goal against the Tykes and would be key to the attacking endeavours of the Peacocks.
Attack
Caleb Ekuban might have started in the last fixture of Leeds United but against Aston Villa, Christiansen might allow Kemar Roofe to spearhead his side’s attack. Filling the striker’s role has been a headache for the manager and thus, Roofe needs to be at his very best to prove a point.
On Roofe’s left, Pablo Hernandez is seemingly likely to start and probably he would be the first name to find a place in the line-up. Hernandez has been striking the right chords and doing considerable damage in the final third. The right-wing should belong to Ezgjan Alioski, for he is indeed on fire.
