Marcelo Bielsa has set the ball rolling at Elland Road as he has carried on his 100 percent record even in the Carabao Cup as they went past Bolton Wanderers 2-1. The manager rang in a lot of changes to the side for that game, and it was a clear indication that he had one eye on this weekend’s encounter against their derby rivals Rotherham United in the Championship.
After a blistering start to the season, the Whites would be favourites to go past their rivals who have enjoyed a mixed season so far. However, United needs to be cautious as other teams will now be studying them and analysing ways to get the better of them.
Bielsa has already shown massive impact in a short space of time and the players would be brimming with confidence after a good run of results. The team is showing great energy, and the Whites’ movement and pressing have been the most significant talking point so far. When they win back the possession, they are quick to move the ball and turn it into an attack, and that has paid rich dividends. Rotherham will have their hands full in this encounter.
Team News
Adam Forshaw and Vurnon Anita are yet to recover from their injury and would be sidelined from this encounter. Conor Shaughnessy would be expected to be on the bench. None of the major players who has played a part under Bielsa as of now have any issues, and the Argentine should have a strong squad to choose from.
4-1-4-1 Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs Rotherham
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell will resume his duties in between the sticks after sitting out the Cup encounter against Bolton Wanderers. Pontus Jansson had started in midweek, and we expect him to keep his place in the starting eleven. Club captain Liam Cooper will partner him and they will be looking to keep a cleansheet against Rotherham.
Gaetano Berardi so far had filled in the centre back role as Jansson was yet to regain his full fitness. Now with him being back, we expect Berardi to start in his more accustomed right-back role. New signing Barry Douglas would be expected to start down the left.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips has been impressive with his defensive work rate and distribution. He would be expected to start in the defensive midfielder role. Mateusz Klich has been a revelation this season after he spent the second half of last campaign on loan. He has taken everyone by surprise and has already become an essential player in the current setup. He is likely to be partnered by Samuel Saiz who had bossed the midfield in previous games.
Out wide, Ezgjan Alioski will start down the left. He is one of the players who Bielsa has brought the best out of in a short span of time. The experienced Pablo Hernandez will start down the right.
Forward
When Patrick Bamford arrived, Kemar Roofe would have been a bit susceptible about his place in the starting eleven. However, he has quite easily been one of the standout players, and as of now, he would lead the line against Rotherham.
