The Leeds United and Derby County encounter is turning into a feisty rivalry, and that will resume once again at Elland Road this weekend as the Whites host the Rams. United got the better of Derby County thrice last season but the Rams’ one win in the second leg of the playoff was enough to banish all those losses.
United are sitting on top of the table whereas Phillip Cocu’s Derby are languishing at the 19th place, just two points from the relegation zone. The Rams have tasted victory only once in their opening seven games, and Bielsa’s men will look to pile more misery on them on Saturday. In fact, Derby are yet to win in the Championship after their opening day win.
Team News: Bielsa is yet to have a fully fit squad available to him since he took over from the last season. That is set to continue again as Adam Forshaw is expected to miss out. Luke Ayling is back in training, but he is also unlikely to be involved in the matchday squad.
Leeds United predicted lineup vs Derby County
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Kiko Casilla made some dreadful errors when he faced Derby in the playoffs and Bielsa will hope that he can come up with a more assured performance in between the sticks this time around. Ben White and Liam Cooper are likely to continue as the first choice centre back pairing for the season.
Ezgjan Alioski has seemingly won the left-back place over Barry Douglas, so we expect the Macedonian player to start in that role once again. Stuart Dallas has been influential in the absence of Ayling at right-back, and the versatile winger will begin on the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips will be the engine room of this side, and he will begin in his usual defensive midfield position. Jamie Shackleton impressed against Barnsley last weekend, and he will continue to deputise in midfield in the absence of Adam Forshaw. Mateusz Klich is a nailed-on starter as the other midfielder.
We would really like to see Helder Costa being given a start ahead of Jack Harrison on the left flank. The right-wing spot is likely to be occupied by the creator in chief Pablo Hernandez. The Spaniard will often drift into central areas instead of playing as an outright winger.
Attack
Eddie Nketiah came off the bench to break the deadlock against Barnsley, but Bielsa is likely to persist with Patrick Bamford upfront.
