Leeds United will be looking to move one step closer towards securing promotion to the Premier League as they lock horns with Swansea at Liberty Stadium on Sunday. With just four games left, the Whites are leading the table by one point, but cannot afford to be complacent, especially with third-placed Brentford breathing down the neck.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs Swansea
Defence
Marcelo Bielsa recalled key left-back Stuart Dallas in the last game as the defender was back to full fitness. Although Barry Douglas is always an option, he could retain the services of Dallas this weekend as well given the importance of this fixture.
Luke Ayling, meanwhile, is a guaranteed starter on the opposite flank. He was notably one of the best performers in Leeds’ win over Stoke City in midweek.
There would be no changes in central defence either, with Ben White featuring alongside club captain Liam Cooper at the heart of the club’s four-man backline. These two individuals will operate just ahead of goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who is looking for his fifth clean sheet in just eight matches.
Midfield
In midfield, the strategy behind using Pablo Hernandes as a second-half super sub has worked out well for Bielsa so far. But, the Argentine mastermind could pull a surprise out of the hat by deploying the veteran Spaniard in the starting lineup.
Indeed, Hernandez could feature alongside Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich in the Leeds United midfield. His creativity, vision and clever movements could be key as the Whites look to breach the Swansea backline this weekend.
Bielsa has other options too. But, both Jamie Shackleton and Tyler Roberts could only be used as second-half substitutes, especially when the ageing Hernandez starts to tire.
Attack
Despite his poor performances early on since the restart, Bielsa had kept his trust on Patrick Bamford. And it has been paying off well for his side, with the ex-Chelsea starlet having scored four goals in his last six matches. He could even turn out to be a scourge for the Swansea defenders given his recent run of form.
However, the onus will be on the wide attacking duo of Jack Harrison and Helder Costa to provide the real spark in the Leeds United attack. Both of them performed well in the last game and will be hoping to maintain a similar run, although Bielsa does have other options including Ezgjan Alioski.
