Middlesbrough will travel to West Yorkshire to take on Leeds United in a top of the table clash in the Championship. Both the teams are locked on same points, but the Whites are on top via their better goal difference. The Boro are coming on the back of a win against Rochdale in the second round of the League Cup. Before that, they had defeated West Brom in a genuinely gritty fashion as Pulis’ men snatched the winner in the stoppage time.
Pulis would possibly face his biggest nemesis of this season in Marcelo Bielsa as the Argentine has turned around the fortune of this Leeds side in a short period. The Whites have not just won their games but have convincingly won them, playing and scoring freely. However, expect Pulis to come up with a defensive masterclass and it won’t be that easy for Bielsa’s men to breach the Teessiders’ defence.
Team News
Harry Chapman is yet to recover from his shoulder injury and forward Rudy Gestede is still struggling with an ankle problem. Apart from that, Pulis will have a strong squad to choose from here.
3-5-2 Middlesbrough Predicted Lineup vs Leeds United
Formation (3-5-2)
Defence
Darren Randolph would be trusted in goal, and he will be shielded by a back three of Dael Fry, Aiden Flint and Daniel Ayala. The three would have to be at their best as they are coming up against the side who have scored the most number of goals so far in the Championship. The dynamic movement and pressing up front from Leeds will create a lot of problems, and all three defenders would have to bring their ‘A game’ at Elland Road. Ayala and Flint would also have to play a crucial role while attacking set pieces.
Midfield
Pulis has done away with traditional back four of late and he has been using the wingback system. When not in possession, his side goes to a five at the back and when on the ball, both the fullbacks push forward. Ryan Shotton is going to do that from the right-hand side and George Friend from the left.
Adam Clayton will be the engine house of the team and would start in the middle of the park. Stewart Downing would be expected to play on the left of Clayton and Jonny Howson on his right to complete a solid midfield.
Attack
Danish international Martin Braithwaite would start up front alongside Britt Assombalonga. The duo so far has contributed with five goals out of the nine they have scored in the league. Expect their pace and movement to keep the Whites defenders busy.
