A team which is yet to lose in the Championship will take on the team who are awaiting their first win of the season as Leeds United plays host to Birmingham City at Elland Road. Garry Monk’s men have so far been part of six draws from their first eight games and one would think that the manager would take a draw in this tough away trip to West Yorkshire.
The Whites are coming on the back of a comfortable win against league strugglers Preston North End. What would have been satisfying for everyone was 19-year-old Tyler Roberts’ contribution as he scored a brace in just his second start. The Whites have been unlucky with injuries especially in the attacking front, but Roberts stepped up in the absence of Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford.
Bielsa is not expected to change much even though the games are coming in thick and fast. United faithful would hope that they can come up with all three points and along with that, an injury free game to their players as they cannot afford to lose any more of their first-team options.
Team News
Gaetano Berardi, Pablo Hernandez, Patrick Bamford, Kemar Roofe and Jamie Shackleton are all out due to various injuries. Out of the lot, Roofe should be close to a return by the next week or so.
Predicted Leeds United’s Lineup vs Birmingham City
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell continues to be the undisputed no.1 in goal, and he is indeed playing with confidence and assurance in goal. Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson would again look to keep a clean sheet, this time against their former manager’s side. Jansson did improve with his distribution in the last game, and that would be refreshing for the gaffer.
The ever-present Barry Douglas will start from the left, and he should be looking to add again to his assist tally. Luke Ayling would complete a solid back four by starting on the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Mateusz Klich and Samuel Saiz would form the central midfield pairing with Saiz in a more free-flowing role. The Spaniard has put in big shifts in the last few games and is one of the most hardworking players on the pitch.
Pablo Hernandez’s absence means that Jack Harrison would continue to start from the right flank and he would be growing in confidence with every first-team appearance. On the left, we feel it’s time for Bielsa to drop Ezgjan Alioski as he has been below par with his crosses in the last few games. Stuart Dallas is our pick to start over him.
Forward
Roberts should be brimming with confidence after he scored his first goal in the Whites’ colour and in the absence of two main strikers, the youngster will again lead the line.
