Leeds United earned a crucial win last weekend to get their promotion run back on track. With Fulham dropping points, the Whites have opened up a three-point lead at the second spot. United will now host Reading at Elland Road. Leeds had managed a narrow 1-0 win when the two teams squared off earlier this season.
Bielsa’s concern would still be his side’s lack of goals, but they have looked formidable defensively. Reading are positioned at the 15th spot on the table, and they are coming in this game on the back of a comprehensive 3-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday. United have a decent record against Reading in the recent past having won their last three games against them without conceding.
Team News: Adam Forshaw is the only notable absentee for the Whites, and he is going to be unavailable this season after the midfielder went through a surgery.
4-1-4-1 Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Reading
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Kiko Casilla has come under scrutiny in the last few weeks, but he is likely to keep his place in goal as Marcelo Bielsa seems to be backing him. Illan Meslier will again be on the bench. Stuart Dallas is expected to feature at left-back even though both Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski are available. Dallas has emerged as the more reliable fullback amongst all three.
Liam Cooper will be in his usual centre back position. He will be partnered by Ben White who has played every minute of the Championship so far for the Yorkshire outfit. Luke Ayling scored the winner in the last tie against Bristol City. He will again look to make driving runs from the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips has put on some prominent displays after returning from suspension. He will feature in the defensive midfield role. Jack Harrison is a nailed-on starter for the Whites on the left flank. Mateusz Klich is likely to start in central midfield again.
The experienced Pablo Hernandez will play in the attacking midfielder’s role. Helder Costa has been average so far, but he has had his moments in the attacking half of the pitch in patches. There is no doubt that the team management and the fans would want to see him have more impact. The Portuguese ace is expected to start from the right-wing.
Attack
Jean-Kevin Augustin has made some cameo appearances of late but he probably still needs some time to get back to his best. Bielsa is once again likely to rely on Patrick Bamford to lead the line for the Whites.
