Predicted Leeds United line-up to face West Brom in the Championship
League leaders Leeds United visit Birmingham to face seventh-placed West Brom at the Hawthorns this Saturday in the Championship. The Peacocks went to the summit of the table with an impressive win against Wigan Athletic last week, meanwhile, the Baggies suffered a sorry loss at the hands of Hull City.
The gap between these two teams is just five points, however, there is a difference of six positions in the standings, that’s how close this season’s fight for Premier League promotion is. Hence, it won’t be easy for Marcelo Bielsa’s men going to a tough ground.
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Luke Ayling is a long-term absentee from right-back, while young striker Ryan Edmondson still remains out. Gaetano Berardi is still recovering from his injury and Patrick Bamford will be seen in action next year.
Predicted Leeds United XI
Formation – 4-1-4-1/3-4-3
Manager – Marcelo Bielsa
Bailey Peacock-Farrell (GK)
The youngster has struggled to consistently put secured performances in goal. Bielsa would be hoping for a more authoritative display from him.
Pontus Jansson (RCB)
The Swede is one of the stalwarts at the back for the Peacocks, winning his duels against the opposition strikers on a regular basis.
Kalvin Phillips (CDM/CB)
Phillips does an under-rated job of slotting in between the centre-backs in possession and/or stay in that position to allow the fullbacks to become wing-backs.
Liam Cooper (LCB)
The skipper is leading the side well from the back by enhancing his performance levels.
Jamie Shackleton (RWB/RB)
With Ayling out, the manager can try out with young Shackleton at the right wing-back position.
Mateusz Klich (RCM)
The Pole was in good form against Wigan, making the right choices with the ball to create chances for the team.
Samuel Saiz (LCM)
With Adam Forshaw not really taking his chance with both hands, we may see Saiz back in action for the Peacocks this weekend.
Barry Douglas (LWB/LB)
The summer signing returned from injury in the previous game and showed his class. Leeds fans would be delighted to see him back in action.
Pablo Hernandez (RW)
The experienced Hernandez is still one of the key players for the team in the right wing, creating moments of magic on the ball.
Kemar Roofe (ST)
Roofe has been in great scoring form this season. In addition, the hard work he does off the ball is certainly impressing the manager.
Read More: Go for it Bielsa – Leeds United sign this £15m Premier League winger in January
Jack Harrison (LW)
Ezgjan Alioski has struggled to really impact on the left wing. Young Harrison can be given one more chance to prove his worth.
