Leeds United will travel to the Riverside Stadium on Saturday to battle Middlesbrough as both clubs are gunning for a top-flight promotion spot. At present, 3 points are separating Leeds and Middlesbrough on the points table and this match will be important for the Whites. They could either close the gap and get closer to their dream of progressing further or just kiss their chances of promotion goodbye.
That said, Leeds will come into this game with a boost of confidence after beating Brentford in their previous match. A win could take them far but can Paul Heckingbottom’s men rise up to the occasion?
As far as injuries go, Luke Ayling continues to be out after an ankle surgery and it is unsure as to when he will return. Adam Forshaw did not play against Brentford last weekend, since his wife went into labour but he will be back for the game against Middlesbrough. Meanwhile, Pablo Hernandez and Kemar Roofe continue to be doubtful due to injuries. Besides that, Heckingbottom does not have any fresh concerns and he is likely to stick with more or less the same set of players.
Felix Wiedwald (GK)
Wiedwald is likely to take up his usual role in goal and after putting up a solid display against Brentford, expectations will be quite high.
Vurnon Anita (LB)
Laurens De Bock’s slump in form was harshly highlighted against Derby County and Heckingbottom could deploy Anita as the left-back against Middlesbrough as well.
Liam Cooper (CB)
Cooper continues to be a reliable presence for Leeds at the heart of the defence and he will have to be at his best in what could be their most important match of the season.
Pontus Jansson (CB)
Jansson is likely to partner Cooper once more and the duo will be tasked with keeping an unpredictable Middlesbrough attack at bay.
Gaetano Berardi (RB)
Berardi was quite poor against Derby but his performance against Brentford was a lot more encouraging, which should prompt Heckingbottom to hand him a start once more.
Eunan O’Kane (DM)
O’Kane was one of Leeds’ most influential players in their previous match and he is expected to essay his usual role and dominate the midfield area on Saturday.
Adam Forshaw (DM)
Kalvin Phillips made a few potentially costly errors in this role against Brentford and that could mean Forshaw’s return. He works well with O’Kane and the duo will have to be at its best this weekend.
Ezgjan Alioski (LW)
Alioski’s work-rate and pace will be important against a resilient side like Middlesbrough and considering his improvement in the last few games, Heckingbottom is likely to hand him a start.
Samuel Saiz (AM)
Saiz is a force to reckon with for Leeds when it comes to the attack. His creativity and incisive runs will prove to be crucial if they are to win on Saturday, meaning he is likely to start at the Riverside Stadium.
Stuart Dallas (RW)
One of Leeds’ most mobile players, Dallas is constantly on the lookout to make things happen and create opportunities. His skills can work wonders for Leeds this weekend.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga (CF)
The towering striker is expected to start in his usual role on Saturday and his influence will be important for the Whites to make a solid impact.
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