A disastrous 2022-23 season saw Leeds United enduring Premier League relegation alongside Southampton and Leicester City. Although the other two outfits have shown sheer intent towards an immediate top-flight return, the Whites are struggling for momentum with just one win in 5 Championship fixtures. Things might go worse on Sunday afternoon when they would lock horns with Millwall in Bermondsey.
The Lions faithful, known for creating a hostile ambience at The Den, would make it more difficult for Daniel Farke’s men. Leeds lost an array of first-team stars due to relegation clauses. Also, some of their key assets are likely to miss the trip with persistent injury problems. It would be a colossal job for the German chief to recover from a slow start and set their season in motion over the weekend.
Predicted 4-4-2 Leeds United Lineup To Face Millwall
Defence
Illan Meslier was one of the rising sensations between the sticks when he played his part in Leeds’ promotion under Marcelo Bielsa. He underwent a difficult run of results during the previous campaign, but he must script a redemption this term to justify his talent.
Luke Ayling remains irreplaceable for his experience and excellence as a right fullback. Joe Rodon, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, must partner with Pascal Struijk in the heart of the backline. However, Jamie Shackleton should keep hold of his place down the left against his former club despite Junior Firpo and Sam Byram’s potential injury return.
Skipper Liam Cooper is sidelined after rupturing his plantar fascia against Cardiff City, and the young academy duo Charlie Cresswell and Leo Hjelde are expected to challenge and cover Rodon and Struijk for the time being. Djed Spence, the other loanee from Spurs, could be involved in place of Ayling at some point in the second half.
Midfield
Leeds United have lost Marc Roca, Tyler Adams, Adam Forshaw and Weston McKennie but balanced the books by securing the services of Ilia Gruev, Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara. Kamara, a high-profile signing from Rangers, is tipped to replace 17-year-old Archie Gray in the middle of the park. Ampadu should form a double pivot alongside the Finland international and their presence deep down the midfield would allow Luis Sinisterra and Wilfried Gnonto to cause menace from the flanks.
Attack
With Patrick Bamford and Daniel James still recovering from fitness woes, Joël Piroe and Georginio Rutter must step up their game while spearheading the attack. Piroe could drop as a ‘number 10’ and tweak the setup to a 4-2-3-1 to attune to the demands of this gruelling encounter.
