With the departure of Garry Monk in the summer, Leeds United fans were left disheartened. In came Thomas Christiansen and the Spaniard had an instant impact at the club. It did not take him long to wipe away the memories of Monk and Leeds United were given new hope.
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 fifth on the table after conceding eight defeats from twenty-three games.
The situation at Elland Road has now changed and Leeds are back longer in the play-off position. With a good run of games, they can bring go further up top and cement a playoff position. 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 Burton.
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. With nine clean sheets under his belt, 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 will be again at his spot for the fixture along with Gaetano Berardi playing on the left.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips can be expected in the lineup alongside Ronaldo Vieira to shoulder the defensive midfield roles.
With goals and assists flowing in this season, Ezgjan Alioski can be expected to start from the right wing position with Saiz Alonso expected to return as the central attacking midfielder after missing the Hull City match with a minor injury. Despite scoring the winner over the weekend Pablo Hernandez might be left on the bench to get some well-deserved rest but at the same time ready to be called upon if needed.
Kemar Roofe’s hit a hattrick a few days ago and is expected to continue his run of form by playing from the left wing.
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 Burton.
