Predicted Leeds United line-up to face Derby County in the Championship
After losing three consecutive games in all competitions, Championship league leaders Leeds United will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they face Derby County at Elland Road this Friday night. Despite losing two league games before the FA Cup elimination, Marcelo Bielsa’s men are on top of the standings, but their lead just two points.
They are up against a Derby side who have been in and out of form in the past few weeks. Frank Lampard’s men are sixth in the table and on course for a playoff spot come the end of this season.
Team News
Kalvin Phillips got a red card against Nottingham Forest and is suspended for this game. Izzy Brown will be back by February, while Patrick Bamford is close to returning.
Stuart Dallas is back in training after a long layoff. Gaetano Berardi is still out. Barry Douglas is out for a while after injuring himself against Nottingham Forest.
Probable Leeds United XI
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Bailey Peacock-Farrell (GK)
The goalkeeper has had a mixed bag season so far. He continues to start games, with Leeds lacking a backup.
Luke Ayling (RB)
He should revert to right-back after operating at centre-back for the FA Cup game.
Pontus Jansson (CB)
He was rested for the QPR game and rightly so in many ways. Expect the Swede to lead the back-line on Friday.
Aapo Halme (CB)
The youngster scored in the FA Cup game and should start along side Jansson, chiefly because Phillips is suspended.
Leif Davis (LB)
With Douglas, Berardi and Dallas out, expect Davis to start at left-back.
Adam Forshaw (CDM)
He has been starting in the defensive midfield position for a while now and should continue there.
Mateusz Klich (LCM)
The Pole got the rest he deserved during the weekend and is expected to be back in the eleven on Friday.
Jamie Shackleton (RCM)
With Hernandez a doubt, Shackleton should start alongside Klich in central midfield.
Jack Harrison (LW)
The youngster started as a centre-forward against QPR, however, he should slot in at left-wing this weekend.
Ezgjan Alioski (RW)
He has played most games this season and should continue to play, with the Peacocks short on backup in the wide areas.
Kemar Roofe (ST)
Got the rest he needed for the FA Cup game. He will be raring to go again and trouble the opposition defences.
