Heckingbottom to make 2 changes – Strongest 4-4-1-1 Leeds United lineup to face Reading
Leeds United will be looking to bounce back from the midweek’s disappointment when they face off against Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.
The Whites were thrashed 3-0 by EFL Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road on Wednesday night, following which they slipped down to the 13th place in the league standings. Having registered just a single victory since Paul Heckingbottom was appointed as the manager last month, the Yorkshire-based outfit will be hoping to end the spell of poor results with a win against the Royals.
Team News
Leeds United captain Liam Cooper is likely to miss out on the weekend’s encounter after succumbing to an injury against Wolves during the week. Goalkeeper Andy Lonergan is also likely to be absent again, whereas Kemar Roofe is also set to be among the absentees. Conor Shaughnessy and Luke Ayling are ruled out.
Here’s how the Whites might take the field against the Royals on Saturday;
Manager: Paul Heckingbottom
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Bailey Peacock-Farrell (GK)
The youngster was one of the few positives for Leeds from the Wolves’ defeat. Should be given another chance between the sticks on Saturday.
Gaetano Berardi (RB)
The Swiss full-back hasn’t looked all that reliable at right-back in recent weeks and will need to pull up his socks for Saturday’s game.
Pontus Jansson (CB)
The Swedish centre-half will be looking to bounce back with a solid display after letting in three goals in two consecutive games.
Matthew Pennington (CB)
With Liam Cooper likely to miss out due to injury, young defender Matthew Pennington is expected to partner up with Jansson at the back.
Vurnon Anita (LB)
The utility man from the Netherlands has been used as the left-back in recent games despite the arrival of Laurens De Bock in January. Unlikely to change.
Stuart Dallas (RM)
The Northern Irishman is expected to continue on the right-side of the midfield ahead of Gjanni Alioski for the weekend clash.
Adam Forshaw (CM)
The former Middlesbrough man has become a constant fixture in the Leeds midfield since his January transfer. Expect him to feature again on Saturday.
Ronaldo Vieira (CM)
The young midfielder hasn’t been given many opportunities by the new manager. But, following Kalvin Phillips poor display, he could be in line for a start.
Pablo Hernandez (LM)
The Spaniard made an appearance from the bench on Wednesday night, but will definitely be starting on the left flank at the Madejski Stadium.
Samu Saiz (SS)
The former Huesca man has been Leeds’ biggest creative threat going forward this season. He needs to get firing against the Royals if his team are to get back to winning ways.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga (ST)
Leading the line for the Whites will be on-loan German striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga. Has gone without scoring in the last three fixtures and will be intent on changing that.
