The Peacocks resumes their mission to eventually return to the Premier League on Sunday with a visit to the John Smith’s Stadium to battle Huddersfield Town.
Leeds claimed victory in their last league game with a last-gasp winner over Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night, notching their 7th win on the road to go a point closer to 4th-placed Reading.
But landing an 8th away victory in the Championship on Sunday will be one of their most daunting tasks this season considering the form of the hosts.
Huddersfield recently got the better of league leaders Brighton & Hove, on Thursday night in an emphatic 3 – 1 victory at the John Smith Stadium – a ground where have lost just twice this term.
The 5th placed hosts are just 2 points behind Leeds with a game in hand, and anything less than a victory for Monk’s men could hurt their ambitions to at least finish in the playoff zones.
Both teams have a lot at stake to play for, and it is expected of Monk to name a strong starting XI that could look like this:
Formation : 4-2-3-1
GK – Robert Green
The veteran goalie would be making his 30th Championship appearance of the season and hoping to keep his 13th clean sheet against the Terriers.
LB – Berardi
The Swiss continues to get the nod in left-back as Charlie Taylor’s rehabilitation following an Achilles problem he sustained last year continues.
Would have to perform well enough if he is to retain the role when the youngster returns.
CB – Jansson
Bailed Leeds out the last time out with a winning goal at the death, and while the Sergio Ramos-esque heroics won’t be banked on against the tough hosts, a lot would be asked from him defensively.
CB – Bartley
The English defender has been a constant face in Monk’s lineup, starting 28 league games thus far.
Should make it 29 games out of 30 on Sunday.
RB – Ayling
He also should be making his 29th league start of the campaign having played a huge part since the first game.
He would be hoping to create more chances for the forwards.
CM – Bridcutt
Got his 2nd assist of the season the last timeout and has been a regular face in the starting lineup of recent having played all of the last 9 league games.
A 10th consecutive start awaits him on Sunday.
CM – O’Kane
The England defensive midfielder has always had to battle with Ronaldo Vieira for a starting berth and playing minutes all season, and that mightn’t be less different on Sunday.
AML – Doukara
Came off the bench in his last 2 league appearances but could likely return to the Sunday’s starting lineup ahead of Dallas.
AMC – Hernández
Played just 45 minutes in the last game but was very influential, with his assist – with which Leeds won the game.
Monk seems to be slowly easing the Spaniard back into the starting XI following his return from injury late last year, and he could give him another start on Sunday.
AMR – Roofe
With Sacko still battling fitness issues, the versatile and something “undroppable” Kemar Roofe could be drafted to the right of Leeds attack for Sunday’s game.
CF – Wood
It would be expected that the New Zealand international will add to his 17 goals on Sunday following his fine form in front of goal this term.
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