Leeds United are on top of the table in the Championship on goal difference, and they will look to register maximum points again when they take on Stoke City this weekend. The Whites had to wait a long time to score against Brentford and Bielsa will hope that his team can convert the chances and possession into goals.
Stoke City have made a torrid start to their campaign as they sit on just one point. Their only win this season has come in the League Cup tie against Wigan Athletic and things don’t look right at the Britannia Stadium at the moment. Leeds will surely look to pile on more misery on the home team in this clash. The Yorkshire side lost 2-1 at the Bet 365 stadium last season.
Team News: Barry Douglas is expected to miss out due to injury. His fullback partner Luke Ayling is also on the treatment table, and he too is unlikely to recover in time for this clash. Apart from the two fullbacks, Bielsa is also likely to miss the services of Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas who suffered knocks in the last game.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Stoke City
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Kiko Casilla is a nailed-on starter in goal and Bielsa will hope that he can avoid making silly errors. Ben White has settled in well at Elland Road, and he is expected to start in defence once again. Club captain Liam Cooper could miss out, and Gaetano Berardi might get a chance to start at the back.
Stuart Dallas has looked good, but Jamie Shackleton is likely to replace him. Ezgjan Alioski had a mixed game against Brentford, but he will get another chance to make his case over Douglas. The Macedonian should start at left-back.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips is going to play in his usual defensive midfield role. He will shield the back four and will form a base of attack. Further forward in central areas, Mateusz Klich is a nailed-on starter in midfield. Adam Forshaw has put in some eye-catching performances, and he should be able to keep his place in the central areas. Pablo Hernandez is expected to start from the right, but he will often drift inside in the central regions to influence play. Helder Costa has managed to make an impact off the bench, and Bielsa will probably want to keep him as a substitute option as a fresh Costa can be far more effective while running at tired defenders. Jack Harrison should keep his place on the left.
Attack
Bielsa is probably going to be reluctant to give Eddie Nketiah a start just yet, but we think that its time for the Arsenal man to start over Patrick Bamford upfront.
