Leeds United will host Middlesbrough to ascertain who would reign supreme on the top of the table after six games. The Whites are at the top currently only because of their superior goal difference, and they are likely to face their biggest challenge of the season.
Bielsa’s unbeaten run with the Whites came to an end when they surrendered meekly to Preston North End in the League Cup encounter this week. However, that game should have little to no reference on this big-ticket clash this weekend as the Whites made wholesale changes to the squad.
Expect Bielsa to go in with his best eleven, but the previous loss would have been worrying as it showcases that without a strong first eleven, the Whites struggled to beat a side who are currently sitting on the 20th spot. Nevertheless, the mood in West Yorkshire would be upbeat, and the fans will be behind their team as they take on Tony Pulis’ highly organised side this weekend.
Team News
Stuart Dallas has recovered from his injury and also featured in the game against Preston North End. However, we expect him to be on the bench for this encounter. Adam Forshaw continues to be an absentee, and Liam Cooper is likely to miss this game as he is yet to recover from his muscle injury.
4-1-4-1 Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Middlesbrough
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell is expected to be back in goal after he sat out the midweek Cup tie. Pontus Jansson started midweek but that was to give him more game time, and we expect him to start in defence alongside Gaetano Berardi who should be fresh for this encounter. The two will have their task cut out as they are up against two pacy forwards in Britt Assombalonga and Martin Braithwaite.
Down the left, Barry Douglas has been a revelation, and he would be back in the starting eleven. Luke Ayling will start down the right to complete the back four.
Midfield
Kalvin Philipps was caught napping in the last big encounter against Swansea City. Hopefully, he would have learnt his lessons. He will start just in front of the defence. Experienced Pablo Hernandez should start down the right, and Macedonian international Ezgjan Alioski will play out wide from the left.
Mateusz Klich and Samuel Saiz will start in the middle of the park, and a lot of onus would be on them to create chances for their team.
Attack
Kemar Roofe’s form has been such that former Boro striker Patrick Bamford has had to wait in the wings. Expect the same even in this encounter as Bielsa is surely going to go with the striker who has managed four goals and 2 assists in the 5 games so far in the Championship.
