Leeds United play Leicester City on Monday looking to continue on their momentum, after securing a 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the last game. Marcelo Bielsa’s men shouldn’t have to deal with any fatigue-related issues after getting a ten-day break from football, but with key players still missing, this could once again be a tricky fixture for the Whites.
Here, at The 4th Official, we will talk about three Leeds United players who could be key against Leicester City on Monday.
Luke Ayling
Liam Cooper is back in contention to feature against Leicester City on Monday after recovering from a knock he picked up earlier in the campaign. However, Bielsa will have second thoughts before rushing the club captain back into the starting lineup this weekend, especially given the lack of depth in the defensive unit.
That makes Luke Ayling key in this fixture, as the potential leader of the Leeds United backline, should Cooper start on the bench. The right-back featured alongside Robin Koch in central defence against Villa and was solid as a rock. And fans will be hoping for a similar performance this time around, now more than ever as Leeds look to deal with the threat of Leicester City marksman Jamie Vardy.
Pascal Struijk
Kalvin Phillips is still out injured for Leeds United, meaning Pascal Struijk is once again in contention to start, despite being taken off early in the last game. The youngster is the wiser option when compared to Jamie Shackleton, whose offensive prowess creates an imbalance in the Leeds United midfield.
Struijk, therefore, could retain his role in the number six position. This time, however, the Dutchman needs to show better temperament and not make early errors which could hamper not only his own, but also the club’s chances.
This game against Leicester City could also be an ideal opportunity for the youngster to showcase his credentials as he looks to make a breakthrough into the Leeds United lineup this season.
Patrick Bamford
Following a sensation hat-trick against Aston Villa, all eyes will be on Patrick Bamford on Monday, rather than Jamie Vardy as the Leeds United striker looks to continue his dream start to the campaign.
The ex-Chelsea starlet has already netted six goals in six matches, and his understanding with Rodrigo Moreno is growing better and better every game. These two, therefore, could be vital cogs in the Leeds United attack heading into this game.
But while Rodrigo will be in charge of providing the creativity in the final third, the onus will be on Bamford to make full use of his opportunities, failing which, his team could be severely punished.
