When Christiansen walked into the Leeds United club, the board was hoping to see the positive effect of having a foreign manager, in a manner somewhat similar to what David Wagner or Marco Silva has had at Huddersfield Town and Hull City.
Unlike the Leeds United board, Thomas Christiansen was welcomed with a touch of scepticism by the rest of the country, largely because he had not managed in such an intense league before and partially because the club fans still wanted Monk back.
Despite getting off to flying start, Christiansen saw his side lose form drastically and crash to three consecutive defeats. Such disastrous drop in form shocked everyone who thought Leeds United would make a charge for the title this season.
The Leeds machine began to show more signs of crack as the league progressed and they now stand seventh in the table after conceding eight defeats from twenty-two games.
The situation at Elland Road has grown slightly gloomy and criticism and suggestions have started flying into the manager and the board’s office free of cost. Given the fact that there is always a huge hype around Leed’s performance, Christiansen will have to be careful of his line up this week against Hull City.
Here is how he will look to set his team up for the weekend.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
After having to sit on the bench for a string of matches, Felix Wiedwald returned to the starting lineup and since then has not looked back. He will be again expected to start this weekend.
Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper are expected to fill the centre-back positions. Luke Ayling has been a regular starter for the side in the right-back formation and might return to his spot for the fixture along with Gaetano Berardi returning on the left.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips can be expected in the lineup alongside Eunan O’Kane to shoulder the defensive midfield roles.
With 5 goals and 4 assists in the season, Ezgjan Alioski can be expected to start from the right wing position with Saiz Alonso as the central attacking midfielder.
Kemar Roofe’s hit a hattrick a few days ago and was unstoppable in the matchup and is expected to continue his run of form from the left wing position keeping Pablo Hernandez out.
Attack
With Caleb Ekuban out injured for around six weeks, as confirmed by manager Thomas Christiansen, Pawel Cibicki will be expected to take his place against Hull City.
