Predicted Leeds United Lineup To Face Derby County In The EFL Championship
Leeds United will look to register their first win under new manager Paul Heckingbottom when they take on Derby County in the EFL Championship on Wednesday night.
The Whites managed to come back from two goals down to take away a point against Bristol City this past weekend but still find themselves at 11th place in the standings with 45 points from 32 games, 8 points shy of the final playoff position. The new man at the helm, Heckingbottom, will be hoping to turn things around at his new club before it is too late.
Team News
Leeds will be handed a major boost as three of their first-team players Samu Saiz, Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi will all return from suspension and be available for selection. Youngster Tyler Roberts and Conor Shaughnessy are ruled out due to injuries, while defensive mainstay Luke Ayling is out for the season.
Probable Leeds United XI
Manager: Paul Heckingbottom
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Felix Wiedwald (GK)
The German goalkeeper has shown signs of improvement of late and should continue between the sticks for the trip to Pride Park.
Gaetano Berardi (RB)
Having served his two-match ban, the former Switzerland international is available for selection and should walk into the starting XI at right-back.
Pontus Jansson (CB)
In the heart of the defence, Swedish giant Pontus Jansson is expected to retain his spot in the playing XI. Is on 9 yellow cards and needs to tread carefully.
Liam Cooper (CB)
The club captain is another who returns from suspension for Wednesday’s game and should be reinstated into the starting line-up.
Laurens De Bock (LB)
The January signing is proving to be a decent acquisition for the Whites. Should keep his place on the left-hand side of the back four on Wednesday.
Kemar Roofe (RW)
Coming on from the bench, the former Oxford United man scored the all-important equaliser on Sunday. Should be in for a starting berth on the right flank.
Adam Forshaw (CM)
The former Middlesbrough man has been slowly but steadily growing in stature since his January move. Should once again start in the midfield.
Ronaldo Vieira (CM)
The youngster is yet to be given an opportunity to impress the new manager and following another disappointing performance from Eunan O’Kane, Vieira could be a part of the starting XI against the Rams.
Pablo Hernandez (LW)
The Spaniard was one of Leeds’ better performers against Bristol City over the weekend and should once again start on the left flank.
Samu Saiz (SS)
The Spaniard has been out due to suspension for a long time and his absence has been felt by the team. A creative force, Saiz could be given a free role behind the striker.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga (ST)
The German striker seems to have found his touch in front of goal again. Having scored two in two, he will be keen on adding more to his tally at the Pride Park.