Before the international break kicked off, Leeds United had lost two games on trot which really deterred their credentials. The Whites were defeated by Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday, as a result of which they dropped 5th in the league table with 20 points from 11 games in the English second division.
Thomas Christiansen’s men would be keen to return to the winning ways when they face Reading on Saturday. The Royals have been struggling this season under the tutelage of Jaap Stam and have secured merely 9 points from their 10 league outings. Here is how we expect Christiansen to dish out his starting line-up against Reading at the Elland Road.
Defence:
Felix Wiedwald isn’t in his best of forms between the sticks, having conceded a bit too many goals of late in the Championship. However, it is unlikely to see Christiansen making a galvanizing ramification so soon and thus, Wiedwald should be keeping his goalkeeper’s position.
The central defence is anticipated to be accommodated by the pairing of Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper. Jansson has been rock solid at the back more often than not this season. He sat out against Cardiff City prior to the international break owing to the knock he received against Sheffield Wednesday but should start against Reading.
Cooper has to up his ante and start jotting commendable outings, for he has been sluggish at times. While Gaetano Berardi is expected to be pencilled at the left-back slot, Luke Ayling should be manoeuvred at the right-back position as the perfect balance between his offensive and defensive endeavours that he offers has been exemplary.
Midfield
The central midfield partnership of Eunan O’Kane and Kalvin Phillips has been absolutely dazzling, as these two have knitted a fine partnership between them. Their sparkling form will play a pivotal role in dictating the result of Stam’s troops.
To be lined up as the no.10 should be Samu Saiz who has been proving his worth week in and week out, having clinched 2 goals and 2 assists in 8 appearances.
Attack
Right up front, Pierre-Michel Lasogga must get the nod to start by Christiansen as the Hamburger SV loanee has smashed 3 goals in 5 Championship games apart from securing 2 assists and thus, deserves to lead the line.
At the right-wing, Kemar Roofe is expected to start whereas at the left-wing, we anticipate that Ezgjan Alioski would be engineered for the Peacocks to complete their setup.
This is how they might line up:
