Leeds United could muster merely a point when they locked horns with Ipswich Town last weekend and despite their play-off spot aspirations going pretty much as expected, they shouldn’t let a tinge of complacency creep in. The Peacocks host sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday at the Elland Road in what promises to be a nail-biting fixture from the onset. The Owls faced disappointment in their last league outing and would hunt for blood when they face the Peacocks.
Garry Monk has done a spectacular job so far in elevating the standards of his new employers and would like to keep the wheels moving forward in their favour for the remainder of the season. This is how he may place his starting line-up against Sheffield Wednesday.
Defence
At the heart of the Whites’ backline, the reliable central defensive pairing of Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley should start the proceeding against Sheffield Wednesday. The pair has been quite resilient at the back and have been finding odd goals as well.
On the right-back slot, we expect Luke Ayling to start, with Gaetano Berardi on the left. With the gloves, the 37-year-old veteran goalkeeper should be entrusted for the 33rd appearance this season. Green has been commanding the defensive line as has been saving shots left right and centre and has already accumulated 11 clean sheets.
Midfield
In their 4-2-3-1 formation, a double pivot amongst the pair of Eunan O’Kane and Liam Bridcutt to cover the defence, with the starter from last week in the shape of Ronaldo Vieira likely to start from the bench. Monk isn’t expected to tinker with his side which he started against Ipswich Town, and Stuart Dallas one again anticipated to get the call over Kemar Roofe to support the striker.
Pablo Hernandez has been in a fine nick so far this campaign, scoring 4 goals and registering 7 assists apart from creating as many as 64 chances and is likely to be stationed as the no. 10 and Hadi Sacko should see himself being engineered on the right wing.
Attack
The brilliant Kiwi serial goal-getter Chris Wood has almost singlehandedly catered to the striking needs of the club. The 25-year-old would want to get his goal scoring tally into the twenties when he faces the Owls on 25th February and without any shadow of a doubt, the former Swansea City gaffer should opt with his consistent striker up front once again.
Green
Ayling-Bartley-Jansson-Berardi
O’Kane-Bridcutt
Sacko-Hernandez-Dallas
Wood
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
