Heckingbottom to make 2 changes – Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United lineup to face Wolverhampton Wanderers
Supporting Leeds United really must be a rollercoaster. Despite having started the season really well under new man Thomas Christiansen, the Elland Road side went on a run of 7 defeats in 9 games around autumn which seemed to have hampered their promotion hopes.
They followed that, however, with a run of 6 wins in 8 matches which seemed to steady the ship until the club decided to sack Christiansen. The Whites replaced him with Paul Heckingbottom and since then, Leeds have won only once in 11 games which, once again, leaves them clinging on to the chance of securing a playoff spot. Unfortunately for them, the 8-point gap is looking too big now.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, they now play host to champions-elect Wolverhampton Wanderers, who were the only team to beat them during their good run of 6 wins in 8 games (4-1 at Molineux). In addition to that, Wolves are looking to wrap up the title soon and will be hungry for a win.
Team News
Right-back Luke Ayling continues to sit things out with an ankle injury while under pressure Eunan O’Kane may be asked to make way for Adam Forshaw in the midfield this time. Meanwhile, Heckingbottom is liable to stick with the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation for this one.
Predicted Leeds United XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Paul Heckingbottom
GK – Felix Wiedwald
The German stopper may well be replaced in the summer but for now he remains Leeds’ best option in goal.
RB – Gaetano Berardi
Having played a lot of his career at left-back, Berardi is expected to fill-in in the absence of Ayling.
CB – Pontus Jansson
The big Swede is pretty much the first name on the teamsheet at Elland Road.
CB – Liam Cooper
Not quite reaching the heights we thought after last season but remains capable at centre-back.
LB – Laurens De Bock
Vurnon Anita filled-in last time but I’d be surprised if the boss doesn’t want a specialist left-back this time.
CM – Adam Forshaw
Is surely a better option than O’Kane and may well be recalled from the start.
CM – Kalvin Phillips
He, along with Vieira, are great prospects with plenty to learn and this challenge could suit him.
AMR – Egzjan Alioski
Capable if in form, Alioski will cut in from the right at regular intervals but may not get much change out of Boly.
AMC – Samu Saiz
Thomas Christiansen blames Saiz’s suspension for costing him his job. I’m not certain the Spaniard is quite that good, though he may have an influence here.
AML – Stuart Dallas
No Kemar Roofe, in my opinion, but may keep his place on the left.
ST – Pierre-Michel Lasogga
The enigmatic German can make his mark in games like this if he only gets decent service.
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