Leeds United will be looking to maintain their excellent run of form when they lock horns with Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday. The Whites are coming on the back of a 5-0 rout over Stoke City and are keen on retaining their status as Championship leaders as we head towards the final phase of the campaign. So essentially, they cannot afford to slip-up, especially with West Brom and Brentford pushing forward.
It is an important game for Swansea as well, who are looking to finish inside the top six and secure promotion playoff. The Swans are currently seventh in the league table, trailing sixth-placed Cardiff City by just one point. But, they do have a game in hand, meaning even a draw against Leeds United this weekend should be enough to help them overtake Cardiff, albeit momentarily.
Swansea City Vs Leeds United Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Swansea City
Swansea City boss Steve Cooper interestingly employed a 3-4-3 formation in the win over Birmingham City. But, there is a chance he could opt for a similar shape against Leeds United. The presence of an additional defender should give his side more balance when defending the Whites while the marauding fullbacks could serve as an excellent source of counter-attacks.
Leeds United
Marcelo Bielsa is not someone who likes to tinker too much with the core of his team. Hence, we can once again expect a 4-1-4-1 with Kalvin Phillips operating as the holding midfielder. The Whites have looked more comfortable with the ball, of late, and that is something they will be looking to preserve, mainly by allowing Ben White to operate a little forward, with Luke Ayling offering defensive support.
Team News
Swansea City
Cooper will be boosted by the return of Jordan Garrick from suspension, although Joe Rodon and Ben Wilmot are still sidelined through injury. There could be a change in defence, with Mike van der Hoorn seemingly favourite to start at centre-back, alongside Ben Cabango and Marc Guehi.
Predicted XI: Woodman; Cabango, Guehi, Hoorn; Roberts, Fulton, Grimes, Bidwell; Gallagher; Ayew, Brewster.
Leeds United
Bielsa is unlikely to face any fresh injury worries ahead of this tie. Stuart Dallas returned from injury in midweek and should once again start over Barry Douglas, although there might be one change in midfield, with Pablo Hernandez coming in at the expense of Tyler Roberts.
Predicted XI: Meslier; Ayling, White, Cooper, Dallas; Phillips; Harrison, Klich, Hernandez, Costa; Bamford
Key Men
Swansea City
Swansea City must provide attacking threat to Leeds United if they are to salvage anything from this game. That is where the pace and dynamism of Rhian Brewster could come in handy. The Liverpool youngster has enjoyed a highly successful spell at Swansea since joining the club on loan in January, netting eight goals in 16 matches. His productivity could be crucial for the home side this weekend.
Leeds United
Speaking of productivity, Patrick Bamford looks to have silenced his critics with some tremendous performances over the past few matches. In fact, he has netted three goals in the last four games, helping his team securing three wins in the process. Leeds, therefore, will be once again relying on Bamford to provide the end product against the Swans.
