Leeds United are aiming to continue their positive start to the campaign as they lock horns with Wolves at Elland Road on Monday. The Whites are heading into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Manchester City and are full of confidence, having registered seven points from their opening four matches so far this season.
Wolves, however, are one of the most well-drilled sides in the Premier League. They haven’t had a particularly promising start to the campaign but are hoping to get back on track on Monday, especially following a busy transfer window that saw them sign players like Fabio Silva and Nelson Semedo.
Leeds United Vs Wolves Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Leeds United
Marcelo Bielsa could be forced to shift to a three-man backline in order to mirror Wolves’ formation. It should force him to make some crucial decisions in terms of team selection, with Helder Costa and Jack Harrison likely to operate as wingbacks. Stuart Dallas might feature in midfield but will have the freedom to shift to his left-back role, creating a momentary four-man backline.
Wolves
Wolves, on the other hand, have no reason to shift away from Nuno Espirito Santo’s tried and tested 3-4-1-2 formation. It will be interesting to see how the visitors deal with Leeds United’s high press, and there might be a greater emphasis on long balls out from the back, thus utilising the pace of players like Nelson Semedo and Daniel Podence on the counter.
Team News
Leeds United
Leeds United will be missing out on new signing Diego Llorente, who has been ruled out after picking up an injury during the international break while Liam Cooper is a doubt due to lack of fitness. The club have extended the contract of Gaetano Berardi, but Bielsa might prefer Pascal Struijk while Pablo Hernandez might not start either, after returning to full fitness.
Probable Lineup (3-1-4-2): Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Struijk; Phillips; Costa, Klich, Dallas, Harrison; Bamford, Rodrigo.
Wolves
Marcal is a slight doubt for Wolves heading into this fixture, but we do expect the ex-Lyon defender to recover in time. Jonny is the only other major absentee, meaning Nuno will have the privilege of choosing from an almost fully fit Wolves side on Monday.
Probable Lineup (3-4-1-2): Patricio; Boly, Coady, Saiss; Semedo, Dendoncker, Neves, Marcal; Neto; Jimenez, Podence.
Key Men
Leeds United
Leeds United are banking on the services of the in-form Bamford to provide productivity in the final third. The ex-Chelsea forward has been in fiery form this season, netting three goals and registering two assists. He is a threat to the Wolves defence.
Wolves
Speaking of Wolves, it will be interesting to see how Semedo fares against the high press of Wolves. The ex-Barcelona defender has had his fair share of critics, but a strong display against the Whites on Monday could go a long way in lifting his confidence.
