Leeds United have a tough assignment this weekend as they travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa who have shown promising signs in the last few games. The Whites, on the other hand, have eked out results even though they haven’t been at their best of late.
Marcelo Bielsa needs to ensure that his team keeps on this momentum as they lead the table at the moment. However, things could get tight if Villa gains a positive result. The Whites though should be confident going into this game as they have won all their last five encounters in the Championship.
Team News
Liam Cooper, Gaetano Berardi and Stuart Dallas are not going to see any more action on the football pitch this year. Luke Ayling is set to be back sometime this month, but this fixture is going to come too soon for him. Izzy Brown who returned on the pitch from a long injury layoff pulled a hamstring while playing for the u-23 side. Jamal Blackman broke his foot and had to return to Chelsea.
Leeds United predicted lineup Vs Aston Villa
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell is expected to start in goal once again with no real competition from the bench. Kalvin Phillips has done a decent job dropping in the centre back role, and he is set to continue in that position. Pontus Jansson would be his senior centre-half partner at the back. Both of them have done well, but they need to be wary about not giving the ball away cheaply while building from the back as there have been some nervy moments in the past few games.
Jamie Shackleton always likes to push forward, but he would have to keep the pace and trickery of Yannick Bolasie in check. He should start from the right. The ever-dependable Barry Douglas is expected to start down the left once again.
Midfield
Adam Forshaw is likely to continue in the defensive midfield role, and he is expected to have a much tougher game against the Villans. Further up front, we think it’s time for Bielsa to give young Jack Clarke a start after a poor performance from Lewis Baker the last time around. Mateusz Klich should be his other partner in midfield.
Ezgjan Alioski’s final output has been dismal and Bielsa would hope for an improvement. He should start again on the left with no real alternative available. Pablo Hernandez is a nailed on starter on the right flank.
Attack
Patrick Bamford scored the all-important goal last time around, but Bielsa is likely to persist with him as an impact substitute. Therefore Kemar Roofe is once again expected to lead the line.
