Leeds United will host Derby County in the second leg of the playoff semi-finals after registering a narrow 1-0 win in the first leg against the Rams. The Whites were the dominant side, and on the balance of the game, they deserved to come up with a lead at Elland Road.
However, a one-goal lead is never enough, and even though Marcelo Bielsa has got the better of Lampard three times this season, he cannot be complacent. What would have delighted him the most in the last game that Derby didn’t manage a shot on target and the only time they came close to scoring was when they were awarded a controversial penalty which was rightly ruled out by the linesman. Therefore the Yorkshire outfit should be confident about getting the job done at home.
Team News
Patrick Bamford will be available for selection after serving his suspension. Adam Forshaw is unlikely to be fit in time for Wednesday after he was injured in the first leg. Pontus Jansson’s situation is still uncertain, and he is likely to be assessed closer to the match day.
Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski are out for the rest of the season. The big news is that Kemar Roofe is going to miss out due to a calf problem as confirmed by Bielsa. Tyler Roberts is also set to be unavailable.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Derby County
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Kiko Casilla was hardly called into action in the first leg, and he would hope for another comfortable evening at Elland Road. He should start in goal. If Jansson becomes available, then it could be a big boost for the Whites, but Gaetano Berardi is likely to start at the back after his decent performance in the previous tie. He should be partnered by the ever-present and club captain Liam Cooper.
Stuart Dallas looked sharp in the last game, and he should keep his place down the left flank. Luke Ayling is expected to start from the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips kept the likes of Mason Mount and Harry Wilson quiet, and he would again look to do a job on them in the deepest role in midfield. Mateusz Klich is a nailed on starter in central midfield. Jamie Shackleton provided the much-needed energy after coming on in the last game, and he should start from the beginning as Forshaw is unlikely to be fit. Pablo Hernandez had a quiet game from his standards, and he would look to pull strings in the attacking third down the right. Jack Harrison is set to operate from the left flank.
Attack
After his impressive performance, Roofe is out with an injury, and that is going to be a massive blow. Patrick Bamford is going to replace him as the man up front.
