Leeds United will look to move one step closer in their bid to secure promotion to the Premier League next season when they host Stoke City on Thursday. The Whites are sitting at the top of the Championship and have a healthy five-point lead over third-placed Brentford, with just five games remaining. They are also coming on the back of a comfortable 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers in their last game and will be full of confidence heading into this fixture.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs Stoke City
Defence
Liam Cooper was fit enough to be included in the starting lineup against Blackburn Rovers on the weekend. Although the defender once again has picked up a knock, he should be in contention to start yet another game, ahead of Gaetano Berardi.
Cooper is set to be partnered by Ben White, whose tenacious nature and fighting spirit have added another dimension to the Leeds defence. These two individuals are expected to operate at the heart of the club’s four-man backline.
Elsewhere, Marcelo Bielsa did sound confident regarding the return of Stuart Dallas to full fitness. However, we expect the Argentine mastermind to stick with Barry Douglas as his deputy at left-back while Luke Ayling is a guaranteed starter on the opposite flank.
Illan Meslier is another player set to retain his place in the side, especially with first-choice goalkeeper Kiko Casilla suspended.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillip is the undisputed starter in the holding midfield role. The midfielder scored from a sumptuous free-kick in the win over Blackburn last time out. He will be looking to replicate that performance this midweek as Leeds look to dominate Stoke City.
Slightly further forward, Bielsa is tipped to persist with Tyler Roberts ahead of the technician Pablo Hernandez, who could, however, be guaranteed to appear as a second-half substitute. Meanwhile, Mateusz Klich’s elite performance against Blackburn means he is more than expected to accompany Roberts in the attacking midfield role.
Attack
Ezgjan Alioski has made quite an impression over the past couple of matches and should retain his place at left-wing, ahead of Helder Costa. In contrast, Jack Harrison is a guaranteed starter on the opposite side, having notably emerged as one of the star performers in the last game.
Finally, the Leeds United attack is set to be spearheaded by Patrick Bamford. The ex-Chelsea starlet enjoyed his best game since the lockdown last time out, notably scoring the opener against Blackburn. His sharp movements and overall work-rate could be crucial in his club’s chances against the Potters this midweek.
