After carving a disappointing 2-2 draw against Reading last weekend, Leeds United are set to take on Sheffield Wednesday at the Elland Road on Saturday. Paul Heckingbottom’s side are without a victory in their last three games and they would be looking to get back to winning ways.
Team News
Leeds United are set to remain bereft of the services of Liam Cooper and Andy Lonergan. Meanwhile, Kemar Roofe is a major doubt for the upcoming fixture. Luke Ayling and Conor Shaughnessy are the long-term absentees.
Here is how we expect Leeds United to start against Jos Luhukay’s side.
Goalkeeper
Bailey Peacock-Farrell should keep his place between the sticks for Leeds United in the absence of Lonergan. Peacock-Farrell has been decent with the gloves in the last two fixtures and deserves to start ahead of Felix Wiedwald.
Defence
January transfer window signing, Laurens De Bock, has looked really timorous of late and he failed to convince from the left-back slot against the Royals last weekend. He is expected to be replaced by Vurnon Anita in the upcoming fixture. Meanwhile, Gaetano Berardi is likely to keep his place at the right-back.
Pontus Jansson has been ever-present in Leeds United’s back line and should be starting once again from the central defence this weekend. Jansson is set to be partnered by Matthew Pennington at the heart of the defence of the Yorkshire based outfit.
Midfield
Eunan O’Kane put forth a better outing against Jaap Stam’s men last weekend from the middle of the park and he is seemingly likely to keep his place in the starting line-up. However, he needs to be consistent and reliable.
Adam Forshaw has been proving his mettle on a regular basis ever since his move to the Elland Road in January and the former Middlesbrough midfielder would be one of the first names to find a place in Heckingbottom’s starting line-up.
Samuel Saiz’s industry and ability to create chances is undeniable and it is anticipated that he would be the one to operate as the no. 10 for the Peacocks against the Owls.
Attack
Although Caleb Ekuban was used up front in the last league fixture, he was largely ineffective. Thus, we expect Pierre-Michel Lasogga to lead the line against Luhukay’s entourage.
While Pablo Hernandez is likely to keep his place at the left-wing after his terrific outing against Reading, we expect Stuart Dallas to come in for Ezgjan Alioski at the right-wing.
