Leeds United have dropped to third in the Championship standings, but they have a game in hand and are still in the driving seat to secure automatic promotion. The Whites enjoyed days off since securing a crucial victory over Swansea City and had enough time to recover from fatigue even though they suffered a massive injury blow in the form of Kemar Roofe.
But they must prepare themselves now for this weekend’s home tie against struggling Bolton Wanderers and should not underestimate the Trotters considering their desperateness to grab results. Marcelo Bielsa’s men secured an edgy 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture. Therefore, they would be aiming for a comprehensive outcome at Elland Road.
Team News
A knee ligament injury versus the Swans would keep Kemar Roofe sidelined for months. Teenager Jack Clarke was stretchered off versus Middlesbrough after falling sick midway through the game and should be given time to recover following such a worrying incident. Stuart Dallas [ankle] and Gaetano Berardi [hamstring] are back with the U-23s, however, likely to take a bit more time before being considered for the senior side.
Barry Douglas is expected to return after being sidelined for weeks due to a muscle strain whereas Adam Forshaw is also in contention having recovered from a minor knee injury.
Formation
The gaffer is known for his creativity with team set-ups. Bielsa’s 3-3-3-1 is lauded across the globe but he has preferred a 4-1-4-1 since taking charge of the Whites and is expected to retain the same versus the weekend counterparts.
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Goalkeeper
Defence
Although Berardi is closing in on a first-team return, Leeds must not alter their central defensive duo of Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper for the time being. Luke Ayling would keep hold of his right-back role. However, Barry Douglas has recovered from his muscular injury and is tipped to replace Ezgjan Alioski, the wide attacker who had a powerful spell as a makeshift left fullback.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips took time to adjust to a new role initially. But he is now thoroughly enjoying his game and linking it up between the backline and ‘midfield four’ with great composure and responsibility.
Veteran Pablo Hernandez might operate centrally alongside Mateusz Klich to orchestrate the flow exhibiting his vision, passing and distribution skills. Alioski must be deployed down the left flank whereas Jack Harrison should occupy the other wing having scored a decisive first-half goal against Swansea City.
Attack
The absence of Roofe is a massive blow, but it is time for Patrick Bamford to step up and spearhead Leeds attack. He has found the net on both occasions versus the Wanderers this term (in the League Cup and Championship away tie) and should look to add more to his tally to cement his place for the remainder of the season.
