Predicted Leeds United line-up to face Aston Villa in the Championship
Leeds United will be aiming to keep their winning run going when they face Aston Villa at Villa Park this Sunday in the Championship. Marcelo Bielsa’s men are currently the league leaders and look in good shape to fight for automatic promotion come May. The win against Bolton shows that they are ready to win games even when they are not at their best.
The Peacocks are up against a Villa side who have been on the up ever since Dean Smith arrived at the club. The Birmingham-based club are now seven games without a loss, lifting them up to eighth in the table, very much in contention for a top-six finish. Hence, it won’t be easy for Leeds away from home.
Team News
Izzy Brown is still not fit, while Samuel Saiz is set to leave the club in January. Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper will be back by January and February respectively. Gaetano Berardi is out until February as well. Luke Ayling is still out for this game.
Probable Leeds United XI
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Bailey Peacock-Farell (GK)
The youngster has had an upliftment of confidence in the past few weeks, which is good news for Leeds United supporters. The penalty save against Reading has helped a lot.
Jamie Shackleton (RB)
With Ayling and Dallas out, young Shackleton is expected to be deployed at right-back.
Pontus Jansson (CB)
Being a senior defender among the youngsters, the Swede has to be at his best and guide his team in a tough away game.
Kalvin Phillips (CB)
With Cooper out, we have seen Phillips drop down to central defence. He needs to be careful against an exciting front line.
Barry Douglas (LB)
He has been a great addition to the squad and is a guaranteed starter at left-back.
Adam Forshaw (CDM)
With Phillips dropping down to centre-back, Forshaw is expected to continue playing in the defensive midfield position.
Mateusz Klich (RCM)
The hard-working Pole has been in decent form for the Peacocks. His work on and off the ball is very important to the team.
Lewis Baker (LCM)
The loanee from Chelsea got an opportunity last week but he didn’t take it well. He might get another go with Saiz set to leave and Brown still injured.
Pablo Hernandez (RW)
The experience of Hernandez will be vital in a tough away game. His crossing and attacking play could make a difference.
Ezgjan Alioski (LW)
He continues to be ineffective but Bielsa picks him week after week. He may get another opportunity on the evidence of what we have witnessed thus far.
Kemar Roofe (ST)
The striker works hard on and off the ball and would be hoping for a chance or two to score. Villa defenders should be wary of his movements.
