Leeds United are unbeaten in their last five league games, and they have managed to win three games on the spin. Next, they will travel to the Madejski Stadium to take on Reading in the midweek clash. The Yorkshire outfit managed to move to the second spot after their latest win, and they would surely look to consolidate their position in the top 2. Reading are coming on the back of a narrow defeat against Brentford. The Royals are currently languishing on the 18th spot on the table, and they will go in as the underdogs in this encounter.
Team News: Liam Cooper was good enough to be on the bench in the last tie, and he could be in line to get a start in defence. Eddie Nketiah’s luck ran out as soon as Bielsa decided to give him a chance as he injured himself. The Arsenal youngster is expected to miss out again. Jamie Shackleton and Adam Forshaw are unlikely to be available. Ezgjan Alioski is in line to feature in this contest after his injury setback.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Reading
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Kiko Casilla is set to continue in goal though his upcoming future still remains under a cloud. We are expecting Liam Cooper to feature from the start in this encounter and Gaetano Berardi will have to miss out. Summer arrival Ben White has been a revelation at the back, and he should partner his captain in central defence.
Ezgjan Alioski is expected to be fully fit so he could feature in his usual left-back role. It will be a dilemma for Bielsa regarding whom to choose for the right-back spot with both Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas vying for that spot. We believe that Dallas could be reinstated back at right back where he had impressed this season.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips will be in his typical defensive midfield role. The Englishman is walking a disciplinary tightrope as he is one yellow card away from a suspension. Mateusz Klich should start in central areas, and he is likely to be partnered by Tyler Roberts, who has managed to catch the eye so far.
Jack Harrison is expected to feature from the left flank. Pablo Hernandez has just returned from an injury so he could be given a rest after he played the full 90 minutes against Luton Town. Helder Costa might get a chance from the right flank.
Attack
Patrick Bamford has got some of his confidence back after scoring in back to back games, and he should lead the line for the Whites.
