Predicted Leeds United line-up to face Preston in the Championship
League leaders Leeds United would look to continue their unbeaten start in the Championship when they face Preston North End at Elland Road. Marcelo Bielsa’s men got a late equaliser at Millwall to keep their unblemished start going. However, the manager would be aiming for a better performance on Tuesday night.
They will face a Preston team who are placed 23rd in the table and are struggling. Hence, on paper, this is quite a winnable home game for the Peacocks. However, nothing can be taken for granted in football.
Team News
Leeds are a bit unlucky in the injury department, with five injured players in the team. Striker Kemar Roofe is out for two weeks with a calf injury, while Pablo Hernandez and Gaetano Berardi would take four more weeks to recover from their hamstring and knee injuries respectively.
New signing Patrick Bamford is out for four months with a terrible knee injury. Jamie Shackleton will probably be back by the end of this week.
As a result of this long list of injuries, Bielsa may not tinker much with the starting line-up which took the field on Saturday.
Probable Leeds United XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Bailey Peacock-Farrell (GK)
Started the season with a bit of a wobble but looks confident now.
Luke Ayling (RB)
The forward-thinking right-back has been good this season. Expect him to play a key role for Leeds.
Liam Cooper (CB)
The skipper needs to be a bit calmer while making challenges inside his own box. Overall, he’s been solid.
Pontus Jansson (CB)
Bielsa would want Jansson to improve his passing from the back as the Swedish international is very good when it comes to defensive situations.
Barry Douglas (LB)
The impressive Douglas has been a bit off-radar in the past couple of games. Needs to improve on that.
Kalvin Phillips (CDM)
Phillips started as the third centre-back against Millwall and looked at home. He was switched to defensive midfield and looked good again. He is improving game by game under the new manager.
Adam Forshaw (CM)
Forshaw came on as a late substitute on Saturday and showed why he could replace Klich in this team. Bielsa may just make that change for Tuesday’s game.
Samuel Saiz (CAM)
Saiz has been one of the most consistent players on the pitch for Leeds. He has to continue his good form due to key injuries in the attacking department.
Jack Harrison (RW)
Scored a good goal to equalise on Saturday. The Manchester City loanee just needs to be more creative in the final third.
Stuart Dallas (LW)
With Alioski struggling for form in the last few weeks, Bielsa may start with Dallas on the left wing.
Read More: Go for it Bielsa – Leeds must surely target this U20 World Cup winner this January
Tyler Roberts (ST)
The youngster has the big boots of Kemar Roofe to fill. Struggled against Millwall at times but with both Bamford and Roofe out, the Welshman is certain to start again.