Leeds United host Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday in a clash that could be pivotal to both sides’ promotion chances given only goal difference separate them in the last 2 playoff slots.
The Peacocks are level on points with weekend’s visitors (58) after 33 Championship games, and would hope to bag all 3 points in front of their supporters in an encounter that is set to be intense.
Monk’s men have suffered a dip in form of recent, winning just 3 and drawing 1 of their last 7 league games, and any further slips could see them drop off the playoff zone entirely, with the 7th to 12th teams on the log hot on their heels.
Leeds ran out 2-nil winners back in August at the Hillsborough Stadium, and would be looking to do a double on Saturday with a starting XI capable of seeing off the stiff challenge the Owls are set to present.
Here is a guess at how that lineup could look like:
Formation : 4-2-3-1
GK – Green
The 33-year-old goalie is set to make his 34th league appearance of the season, and having kept Wednesday out the last time to secure his first clean sheet, he would be keen on getting his 12th against them.
LB – Berardi
According to Monk ahead of Saturday’s clash,
“Charlie Taylor is back out on the pitches, Saturday will come too soon for him though”
So, the Swiss fullback will continue to stand-in for the contract rebel until he is fully fit.
CB – Bartley
Continues to feature as a regular in the starting lineup having played all except one league game of the campaign so far, and is expected to continue playing a huge role as they seek promotion.
CB – Jansson
The Swede has consistently offered steel to Leeds defence since arriving in the summer transfer window and remains one of the best players in the team.
His 25th start of the season awaits him on Saturday.
RB – Ayling
Still a booking away from picking up an automatic suspension but is set for his 33rd Championship game on Saturday and would hope to help the team out in such a decisive game.
CM – Bridcutt
The Scottish midfielder replaced Vieira for the 2nd half against Ipswich last weekend and could start ahead of the Brazilian on Saturday due to his experience.
CM – O’Kane
Has continued to provide an excellent shield for the Leeds defence from deep midfield and remains in solid contention for Saturday’s clash.
AML – Dallas
Drew Leeds on level in the last game to salvage a crucial point for the side and is expected to play a major role in the final third as the club looks to see off Wednesday.
AMC – Hernandez
Continues to create the chances for the team and would be expected to be in his brilliance best on Saturday just when the team needs it the most.
AMR – Barrow
The Swansea forward is yet to make his first start since arriving from the Liberty Stadium in January, and after few impressive performances off the bench, Saturday could be the first game he starts.
CF – Wood
Assisted the Dallas’ strike the last time out to continue having a hand in the goals and that shouldn’t be different on Saturday when he would be keen to hit his 20th league goal of the campaign.