Losing the last game before an international break is never good for a team’s morale as that loss lingers on until the next match comes up. Darren Moore’s West Bromwich Albion humbled Leeds United as the Whites stumbled to a 4-1 defeat. However, Bielsa would be looking to get things back on track when they take on Bristol City at Elland Road.
The Whites were setting the pace early on in the season, but they have definitely lost their mojo in the past one month. However, things are still not bad as they are just three points off the league leaders Norwich City and Bielsa and his men need to deliver a win to keep the pressure on their major rivals.
Team News
Bristol City would probably feel this is one of the best times to play United. The Whites are suffering from a major injury crisis at the back as the likes of Luke Ayling, and Gaetano Berardi were already out. During the international break, on loan goalkeeper, Jamal Blackman broke his leg and returned to Chelsea. Pontus Jansson pulled out from the international squad, and it is yet not clear how long he is going to be out for. Izzy Brown is getting close to full fitness. Patrick Bamford is absent until January at least.
Leeds United predicted lineup Vs Bristol City
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell has come under a lot of fire for his performances off late, but with Blackman’s injury, he is the best bet that the club has at the moment. Barry Douglas should start from the left and he has been one of the consistent performers throughout this season. The centre-back pairing is a position where Bielsa might be the most worried as only Liam Cooper seems to be available. Conor Shaughnessy should be the expected one to fill in that position along with Cooper, but we have seen Bielsa overlooking the youngster on various occasions this season. Therefore we are going in with Kalvin Phillips to partner with Cooper at the back. During other games we often see the young midfielder dropping deep in between the two centre-halves, so Bielsa might go in with him in defence. Stuart Dallas should start down the right even though he has been found wanting of late.
Midfield
Adam Forshaw might have to play in a deeper role to fill in for Phillips. Mateusz Klich and Samuel Saiz should partner up in central areas with Saiz having a more attacking role. Down the right, Pablo Hernandez has been the real difference maker since he came back and he should keep his place. Ezgjan Alioski should start from the left.
Attack
Kemar Roofe is yet to find the kind of form which made him Championship player of the month at the beginning of the season. However, he is Bielsa’s best bet to start up front.
