Club football is finally back this weekend after a two-week international break, and Leeds United would travel to the Den to take on Millwall. The Whites are one of the few unbeaten teams in the league and sit on top of the table for the time being. Marcelo Bielsa would be expecting pretty much the same from his boys, and they would like to stretch this unbeaten run further.
Millwall, on the other hand, have lost 3 of their opening six games and Neil Harris would be looking to turn around the tide from here onwards. Even though they were promoted to the Championship last season, the Lions finished above the Whites and came perilously close to the playoff spot as they missed it only by four points. However, things have changed drastically since then, and many are considering United to be one of the favourites to move to the Premier League this season.
Team News
Even though Patrick Bamford hasn’t started any of the league games so far, his injury would be a cause of concern for Bielsa as he is set to be out for a considerable amount of time. Adam Forshaw is close to coming back from injury, and he could be expected to be on the bench for this game. There are still some clouds over Gaetano Berardi’s fitness, and it could be touch and go with him.
Leeds United’s Predicted Lineup vs Millwall
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell has shown why he is the no. 1 at United and Bielsa should persist with him in goal. We are going in with the centre-back pairing of Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson for this encounter. Though there is every chance that Berardi can get fit in time for this clash and then he might come in place of Jansson.
Down the left, Barry Douglas will start. The new signing has seamlessly fit into the team, and he would like to continue the excellent work. Luke Ayling would occupy the right-back spot.
Midfield
Kalvin Philipps has taken the role of a defensive midfielder well, and Bielsa is again likely to trust him to start just in front of the defence line. Further forward, Mateusz Klich and Samuel Saiz will start in central midfield roles. Both of them have transformed into workhorses under Bielsa, and the manager would be hoping for a big shift from the two.
Out on the left Macedonian, Ezgjan Alioski should start. Pablo Hernandez is likely to be back for this encounter after he missed the all important clash against Middlesbrough. The Spaniard is going to start on the right flank.
Forward
Roofe has been United’s top scorer so far, and the manager would again expect some magic from him in front of goal. Bielsa would also hope that Roofe can come out of this game without any injuries or niggles as the manager is currently short on striking options after the injury of Bamford.
