[Image] Predicted 4-1-4-1 Leeds United XI to face Middlesbrough – can the Whites get back to top spot?

Predicted Leeds United line-up to face Middlesbrough in the Championship

After losing to close rivals Norwich City and eventually relinquishing their top spot, Leeds United would be aiming to get back to winning ways when they face Middlesbrough at the Riverside stadium this Saturday.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men weren’t at their best against the Canaries at the weekend, and they got punished for that. They are second only on goal difference, hence, the position is still strong in terms of qualifying automatically to play Premier League football next season.

However, the Peacocks haven’t been in good form since late December, and momentum is an important factor in football.

Team News

Stuart Dallas is out until March. Izzy Brown is back with the U23s and is expected to be back in the first-team fray sooner than later. Gaetano Berardi is injured again and wouldn’t feature in this game.

Probable Leeds United XI

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa

Kiko Casilla (GK)

The Spaniard couldn’t have done much to save either of the three goals he conceded against Norwich. However, he will need to improve his passing from the back in the coming games.

Luke Ayling (RB)

He was underwhelming against the Canaries but is expected to keep his place for this game.

Pontus Jansson (CB)

He has had better games than the one last time around. With the Peacocks short on centre-back options, they would be hoping the Swede gets back to his best soon.

Liam Cooper (CB)

The captain needs to lead his team well from the back and keep them upbeat on the pitch. His performance also needs an upliftment.

Barry Douglas (LB)

He came on against Norwich and looked understandably rusty. This maybe the game for the left-back to pick up some rhythm.

Kalvin Phillips (CDM)

Adam Forshaw was average at best in the previous game and is expected to be benched for this weekend’s game. Phillips could be handed his favoured defensive-midfield position back.

Mateusz Klich (LCM)

The Pole needs to up his game in the midfield as Leeds look to regain their top form and not slip up anymore.

Tyler Roberts (RCM)

He was one of the brighter stars in the first half against Norwich and could get another chance to impress the manager.

Pablo Hernandez (RW)

It didn’t happen for the Spaniard on the left wing, hence, the best thing for him would be to switch to his favoured right-wing slot.

Ezgjan Alioski (LW)

He did a good job covering up at left-back in Douglas’ absence. It is now time for the Macedonian to come back to his natural left-wing position.

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Kemar Roofe (ST)

The striker has been in fantastic form this season apart from the previous game. He works hard for the team nonetheless. He is expected to start every league game for them.