Thanks to the stupendous tutelage of Garry Monk, Leeds United have thrived in the Championship this season and are genuine contenders for bagging promotion to the Premier League. Currently placed 4th in the league table with 69 points after 38 games, the Peacocks have resurrected themselves in a shrewd manner. However, the season is far from over and here is how the former Swansea City boss should deploy his starting line-up for the remaining fixtures.
Defence
A four-man defensive wall should stay intact for the Whites for the remainder of the season owing to the fact that their backline has really gelled well together. Monk’s outfit have been the third meanest defence in the English second tier, as they stand behind Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion after conceding merely 36 goals.
At the heart of their defensive setup, the resilient duo of Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley should be allowed to continue their fine run of run of form, although the former was dropped last weekend when the Peacocks outclassed the Seagulls. Introducing Liam Cooper was a bluff which paid off but normalcy should resume when Leeds United face Reading on 1st April.
Robert Green should continue in goal, for he has been absolutely fantastic and thoroughly earned his contract extension by putting stellar performances week in and week out. On the right-back slot, Gaetano Berardi should be the preferred choice whereas on the left, Charlie Taylor should be starting frequently now that he is up and running and providing an impetus for Leeds United’s attacking endeavours.
Midfield
The West Yorkshire based club do have the requisite qualities at their disposal as far as their midfield sector is concerned. Liam Bridcutt and Ronaldo Vieira should be engineered in the middle of the park because these two have been pretty solid in cushioning their side’s defence as well as in constructing a neat structure in the middle. Pablo Hernandez should be keeping his no. 10 role owing to his hard work, trickery and overall excellence.
Attack
While Alfonso Pedraza has started to show his calibre and making his ratings well and truly justifiable on the left wing, the right wing is an issue that should be solved as soon as possible. Hadi Sacko might be one of the most industrious players in Monk’s ranks but he his end product is infuriating at times.
His sporadic form might just give someone like Kemar Roofe the nod to start as the West Yorkshire outfit cannot be complacent in the business end of the season. The striker should be none other than Chris Wood. The New Zealand international has already banged in 24 goals and bagged 2 assists this season, do I need to say more?
Thus, this is arguably their best line-up for the remaining fixtures.