Leeds United have managed to turn it around from their defeat against West Bromwich Albion as they have racked up all 9 points from their last three games including a crucial win against promotion contenders Sheffield United. Next, they host Queens Park Rangers who are sitting in the mid-table and have had an inconsistent run so far.
The away side is coming on the back of a defeat against Hull City, and the Whites would be expected to go past them on current form as QPR haven’t won in their last three games.
Team News
More than the opponents, injuries have been a significant worry for Bielsa and the Whites faithful. Liam Cooper is set to be out for some time after he was substituted early in the last game. Luke Ayling and Gaetano Berardi are still some time away from coming back to training. Jamal Blackman returned to Chelsea after he broke his tibia.
Patrick Bamford and Izzy brown have represented the u-23 side after their injuries and are on the path to recovery. However, we don’t expect them to play any part in this game. Conor Shaughnessy and Tom Pearce are also likely to be unavailable.
Leeds United predicted lineup vs QPR
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell hasn’t exuded a lot of confidence with his performance but he is the only option the Whites have currently, and he should start in goal. With so many injuries at the back, Bielsa doesn’t have too many options to play with at the moment. Finnish defender Aapo Halme came on to replace captain Cooper in the last game, and he is expected to start in this tie. He should be partnered by the experienced Sweden international Pontus Jansson who would have the onus of guiding the makeshift backline.
Stuart Dallas will continue to fill in for the right back spot and slowly he has gone on to improve in an unfamiliar position. Down the left, Barry Douglas is a nailed on starter.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips should be in his usual defensive midfield role though there is a possibility that he could play in the heart of the defence. In a slightly more advanced position, Mateusz Klich is a guaranteed starter in midfield. Adam Forshaw is expected to keep his place in the starting eleven ahead of Samuel Saiz who is now used as an impact substitute.
Down the left flank, we feel its time for Jack Clarke to be given a start ahead of Ezgjan Alioski who has been chucked out at halftime in the last two games. Pablo Hernandez should start down the right, and he currently seems to be the most critical player for the Whites in the attacking third.
Attack
Kemar Roofe is once again expected to lead the line for United, and he should start up front.
