Leeds United had a pretty good start under their new manager Thomas Christiansen. The Whites started their campaign with a dominating 3-2 win over Bolton Wanderers and have maintained their unbeaten form so far.
But their real test will be in the next game when they will visit the Wearside to face Sunderland. Having just got relegated, the Black Cats haven’t fully settled in the Championship but are expected to give Leeds a very tough fight.
The unexpected departure of Garry Monk had very little effect as Christiansen has gelled well with the team and has been working tirelessly with the team to build up momentum which would help them in this hectic season.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup Against Sunderland
Defence
Felix Wiedwald has been pretty convincing in the Leeds goal and has beautifully acclimatized himself with the English conditions having arrived in England this summer. After keeping two straight clean sheets he is expected to do much better in the next match.
Christiansen introduced youngster Conor Shaughnessy to the starting lineup in the last match but he deployed the defensive midfielder in the backline which is not his cup of tea.
But against Sunderland, the gaffer is unlikely to experiment with his setup and Liam Cooper will be called on to safeguard the backline.
Pontus Jansson will be his partner in the deep defence.
Vurnon Anita slotted in the left back position and will continue to do so.
Luke Ayling will start in the right back slot.
Midfield
We are expecting a similar midfield pair that the gaffer opted for in the last match. Youngster Kalvin Phillips will compliment the experience of Eunan O’Kane in the centre of the pitch.
Phillip has been a regular in the squad and will try to keep the adrenaline level up in the midfield to push forward.
Attack
After Samu Saiz’s arrival, questions had been asked whether the gaffer is going to dump Pablo Hernandez to favour the in-form new entrant or not. Hernandez has been very lively in the Leeds attack and has been the preferred choice for Monk last season.
Christiansen tweaked his setup a bit as he pushed Hernandez far to the right flank and he is set to repeat his tactic. Saiz looked pretty threatening whenever he had the ball and he will have the task to give the Whites attack an edge.
Kemar Roofe should start on the left wing.
There are no second thoughts on Chris Wood’s selection who has been in devastating form.
