Championship outfit Leeds United have had a splendid start to their season, having bagged 17 points from their first 8 games. Although the Whites were beaten 1-0 away at Millwall, they came back strongly during their midweek clash in the Carabao Cup against Burnley, which they won via penalty shoot-outs.
Thomas Christiansen has been very astute in setting up his tactical nous so far this season. Leeds United are due to host Ipswich Town on Saturday and here is how their starting XI might look like.
Defence
The duo of Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper are expected to start at the heart of Christiansen’s defence. Jansson didn’t feature in the midweek fixture, whereas Cooper missed the last two outings owing to his injury but these two would form an ideal partnership at the central defence.
From the left-back position, Vurnon Anita is seemingly likely to be given the nod to start the game. Anita is yet to prove his mettle in the Leeds United shirt and after an average outing against Millwall, it is about time for him to start hitting the right chords.
The right-back slot in the starting line-up is anticipated to be handed to Luke Ayling and as far as the custodian’s role is concerned, Felix Wiedwald, who has had a fantastic season so far, should be placed between the sticks.
Midfield
Mateusz Klich is likely to be given the chance to start despite the fact that Eunan O’Kane has carved an appealing start to the campaign. Alongside him, Kalvin Phillips should be used as he has also had a solid start to the season and has put forth a series of stupendous performances so far.
Klich and Phillips would have to ensure that they shield the backline and at the same time, they also create the platform for their teammates to maraud forward. They would be the engine room of their side.
The no.10 role should be handed to Samu Saiz, for he has been able to give the requisite vision, creativity and vision in the final third.
Attack
Right up front, Pierre-Michel Lasogga should be starting the proceedings to spearhead the attack of the Peacocks. In 3 Championship games so far, Lasogga has scored 2 goals and has garnered 2 assists and there is no reason why Christiansen should not pencil him in his starting line-up.
On the right-wing, Ezgjan Alioski is expected to start whereas from the left-wing, Pablo Hernandez should be replacing Stuart Dallas.
Here is how they might line up:
