Back to back 3-0 losses to Middlesbrough and Wolves in the space of four days has left Leeds United stranded at the 13th place in the Championship points table. Paul Heckingbottom will be concerned about his side’s run of form and will have to turn things around if they are to finish in the top half of the table.
They will look to get back to winning ways this weekend, when they travel to Madejski Stadium, to take on Jaap Stam’s Reading, who are currently 18th in the league table. the Royals fell to a 1-1 draw against Bolton in the previous round at home and will look to put in a better performance in this game. The Peacocks will settle for nothing less than three points and here is the predicted lineup the visitors might field for this tie:
Team News:
Heckingbottom will still be without the services of Tyler Roberts, Conor Shaughnessy and Luke Ayling, all of who are long-term absentees. Liam Cooper picked up a knock in the previous and is expected to miss this tie while Kemar Roofe remains the only other absentee for Leeds in this game.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defence:
The manager has preferred Bailey Peacock-Farrell under the bar in recent games and should stick with him for this weekend. With Cooper out injured, Matthew Pennington, who has not been bad when called upon, could partner Pontus Jansson at the back, as they look to arrest the goals Leeds have been leaking recently.
Leeds have not had too many issues with their full-backs as both Gaetano Berardi at left-back and Vurnon Anita at right back, have done enough to retain their place in the first team this weekend.
Midfield:
Leeds have some exciting midfielders at their disposal but Heckingbottom has preferred Kalvin Phillips regularly in one of the two midfield roles. He should keep his place for this game and could be partnered by Eunan O’Kane, who is slowly finding some rhythm, late this season.
Attack:
Pierre-Michel Lasogga has been the first choice to lead the line for the Peacocks. He should keep his place in the side and should be supported by Samuel Saiz, who has cemented his place in the side in the no.10 role.
Heckingbottom has options to fill up the wings but Ezgjan Alioski has done well on the left flank and could start this weekend while Stuart Dallas, who needs to step up his game, could play on the right side of the attack.
Here is how they might line up:
