Leeds United have gone on a good run even though they might not be playing their best football at the moment. Marcelo Bielsa’s men travel to Macron Stadium to take on Bolton Wanderers next. One side is second from the top, and the other is second from the bottom. Therefore the away side would go in as the favourite for this tie.
Bolton though should take encouragement from their performance in the last game as they almost nicked a point from league leader Norwich City and were only beaten by a late winner from Teemu Pukki.
Team News
Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman broke his foot and returned to Chelsea. Izzy Brown is close to gaining full fitness and might find himself on the bench. Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas and Gaetano Berardi are unlikely to see any action this year due to injury. Luke Ayling is also closing in on a return, but we expect him to play no part in this game.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Bolton Wanderers
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell continues to be no. 1 in goal in the absence of any real challenge from the bench. Kalvin Phillips dropped in from midfield to play as a centre-half, and he is expected to start over Aapo Halme again. His partner is likely to be Pontus Jansson, and the Swedish defender would have to keep the back line organised.
Down the left, Barry Douglas is a guaranteed starter. His impact has reduced in the last few games and Bielsa would want him to be at his best. On the right, the manager will have to do with a makeshift fullback in the form of Jamie Shackleton.
Midfield
Phillips’ position would be occupied by Adam Forshaw who has done well since he got his chances in the first team. Mateusz Klich is a nailed on starter, and the Polish midfielder has been one of the consistent performers this season. Samuel Saiz who was on the bench for few games will once again get an opportunity to start because of various injuries in other position.
Pablo Hernandez is the real difference maker in the attacking third for the Whites, and he should keep his place on the right flank. Ezgjan Alioski’s displays have been indifferent, but Bielsa is likely to trust him to start once again. We saw Alioski and Hernandez interchange places on the flanks in the last game. It remains to be seen whether the switch was just opponent specific or whether Bielsa is trying out a new tactic.
Attack
Kemar Roofe scored a crucial brace in the last game but was also guilty of missing some decent chances. Bielsa would hope that his striker can take his chances well in this game.
