Leeds United might have lost to Hull City, but Derby County did them a huge favour as they won a seven-goal thriller against Norwich City to keep Leeds’ lead of 3 points intact at the top of the table. Next, the Whites will take on Nottingham Forest at City ground, and there is probably a no better time to play them as they are winless in their last five games.
The pressure is mounting on Aitor Karanka, and Bielsa would like to pile more misery on his Spanish counterpart. United would be keen to prove that the result against the Tigers was just a minor blip over the weekend.
Team News
Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford, and Gaetano Berardi are set to miss out. Patrick Bamford suffered a minor knee injury, but he is taking longer than usual to recover. However, the Whites would be glad that Tyler Roberts is back as he made a cameo appearance in the last game. Jamal Blackman had to return to Chelsea after he broke his foot. Izzy Brown is still some time away from recovering from his hamstring issue.
Leeds United predicted lineup Vs Nottingham Forest
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell continues to be the no.1 choice in goal, but he would be looking over his shoulder now that the January window has arrived and the Whites might strengthen in the goalkeeping department. He would definitely start this midweek game.
With so little room to manoeuvre, the centre-backs almost pick themselves out as Bielsa is again likely to go in with the defensive pair of Pontus Jansson and Kalvin Phillips. The latter was found struggling in the last game, and the sooner Cooper is back, the better for the Whites.
Luke Ayling is slowly getting back to his best, and he looked decent against the Tigers in the last game. He is likely to start as a right back. Barry Douglas should continue in his usual left back position.
Midfield
With the squad so thin, there are no major options on the bench for Bielsa, and Adam Forshaw should start in the deepest role in midfield. The ever consistent Mateusz Klich definitely seems out of gas and the busy festive period has affected his performance. Ideally, he should be rested, but Bielsa can’t do that without affecting the quality of the side. Therefore, he should continue in midfield once again. He is likely to be partnered by the experienced Pablo Hernandez.
Jack Clarke should be preferred over Jack Harrison down the left flank, but Bielsa has been quite adamant in giving the first 45 to Harrison. Ezgjan Alioski should start from the right.
Attack
With Bamford out, Kemar Roofe should continue as the man up front.
