Leeds United would look to get back to winning ways when they take on Derby County this evening. After a run of seven consecutive wins, Bielsa’s men have now lost three games in a row in all competitions. The manager too insisted that they need to win this game to come out of their bad form.
Derby County, on the other hand, have done well off late and are currently sitting on the sixth spot. The last time these two teams faced each other, the Rams were beaten handsomely 4-1 on the day. But Lampard’s men have come a long way since then and look like a strong contender for the playoff spots. Interestingly, Leeds United have not won a league double over the Rams since the 2001-02 season, and Bielsa’s men would surely look to change that today when they take them on at Elland Road.
Team News
Leeds United
Bielsa is going to sweat over Pablo Hernandez’s situation as the Spaniard can miss this tie. Gaetano Berardi, Patrick Bamford, Izzy Brown and Stuart Dallas are definitely out of this tie. The Whites have received some good news as well as Liam Cooper is likely to be back in the starting lineup after recovering from his knee injury. Kalvin Phillips is suspended for this clash.
Derby County
Lampard too has an injury concern to one of his best players as Harry Wilson is likely to be assessed just before the game. The Liverpool loanee missed the FA Cup tie with a hip issue and is a doubt for this game as well. Scott Malone (groin), Mason Bennett (hamstring), Marcus Olsson (knee), Craig Forsyth (knee) and Curtis Davies (Achilles) are all going to unavailable for this game.
Predicted Lineups
Leeds United
Bailey Peacock Farrell; Ayling, Cooper, Jansson, Douglas; Forshaw, Klich, Clarke, Harrison, Alioski; Roofe
Derby County
Scott Carson; Tomori, Keogh, Bogle, Wisdom; Mount, Evans, Wilson; Waghorn, Jozefzoon; Marriott
Key Men
Leeds United
With Pablo Hernandez expected to miss out, Kemar Roofe will have to take his chances well up front; and he is going to be an essential player for the Whites. The ever-reliable Mateusz Klich is also expected to play a significant role in this game.
Derby County
If fit, Harry Wilson is going to the danger man from the right. Leeds United will also have to make sure that they don’t give their opponents free kick opportunities in dangerous areas. Mason Mount will also have to play a crucial role in a deeper role in midfield.
Odds
Leeds United Win: 3/4
Derby County Win: 7/2
Draw: 11/4
