Leeds United need to start from scratch when they take on Barnsley in the Championship. Thomas Christiansen’s side had a battering at the hand of Wolves as the current league leaders smashed them 4-1 to continue their run.
Hopes were revived as the Yorkshire giants got the better of Middlesbrough in the previous match but Wolves proved to be a lot tougher opponent than Boro. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been pretty ruthless throughout the season and latest result was just an indication of that.
Seven losses in the last ten matches means something is seriously wrong at Elland Road at the moment and Christiansen needs to start clearing up the mess if they doesn’t want to repeat the mistakes of the last season. The Whites came pretty close last season but some last minute hiccups pushed them just outside of the playoffs spot.
Leeds had been hovering in the top five places but last few results forced them outside of the top six and now they are languishing in the 10th place.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Starting Lineup Vs Barnsley
Defence
Andy Lonergan has had his chances in the last few matches and he is likely to have another opportunity under the crossbar. Leeds just cannot afford to lose any more ground and the 34-year-old needs to be on the top of his game.
The defence caused a problem this season and the gaffer has to put a strategy in place to get them out of this thing. Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson will be at the helm of the backline.
Gaetano Berardi will be on the left side while Luke Ayling will operate from the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Christiansen won’t be able to use Ronaldo Vieira as the 19-year-old midfielder received early marching orders against Wolves for a badly timed tackle. Eunan O’Kane will replace him in the midfield.
Kalvin Phillips will be alongside him to provide the creative drive from the centre of the park.
Attack
Ezgjan Alioski scored the solitary goal against the Wolves and will be expected to replicate his goal scoring traits against Barnsley.
Pablo Hernandez has seen his game time on the rise and he should do everything possible to keep his place in the starting lineup. He will start on the right side.
Samu Saiz will be given the task to provide that thrust to push up the attackers forward.
Kemar Roofe will be leading the line up front.
