O’Kane And Vieira To Start: Strongest 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Line-Up To Face Preston

Predicted Leeds United Lineup To Take On Preston North End

Leeds United will play hosts to eighth-placed team Preston North End at the Elland Road on Saturday afternoon in the EFL Championship.

The Whites have been on a poor run of late and have lost their previous two Championship fixtures, with the latest defeat coming against Brentford on Tuesday night. Garry Monk will be intent on arresting the slide with a win at home against Preston. The last time these two sides met, Leeds won the fixture with an emphatic 4-1 scoreline and the fans will be hoping for a repeat of a similar performance on Saturday.

Team News

No absentees for Monk due to injuries, but defender Liam Cooper will not be available due to a six-match ban that has been imposed on him by the FA, following his stamp on Reece Oxford’s head against Reading last weekend.

Probable Leeds United Playing XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Manager: Garry Monk

Rob Green (GK)

The veteran goalkeeper was the only saving grace for Leeds against Brentford as his performance spared his team from an embarrassing scoreline. Will undoubtedly start on Saturday.

Gaetano Berardi (RB)

The former Switzerland international has been one of the few consistent performers in recent weeks. He will move to the right-back slot with Luke Ayling dropping to the bench.

Kyle Bartley (CB)

The on-loan defender has been poor in the last two games for the Whites, but will retain his place in the line-up. However, an improved performance will be expected from the Swansea loanee.

Pontus Jansson (CB)

Arguably the best centre-half in the Championship this season, Jansson had an ordinary game against Brentford. He will look to bounce back strongly.

Charlie Taylor (LB)

With Berardi moving to the right-back position, it opens up a place for Charlie Taylor to return to the starting XI, after having missed out against the Bees in the midweek fixture.

Eunan O’Kane (CM)

Captain Liam Bridcutt has been struggling in recent weeks and could do with a rest in the upcoming game, paving way for O’Kane to come into the scheme of things against Preston.

Ronaldo Vieira (CM)

Another change in the middle of the park, with 18-year old Vieira coming in to the playing XI to replace Kalvin Phillips who was below par on Tuesday.

Hadi Sacko (RW)

The loanee from Sporting CP hasn’t been up to the level needed, but Monk seems to believe in the player’s abilities. He could come into the line-up in place of Modou Barrow.

Kemar Roofe (CAM)

Through the middle, Pablo Hernandez has found it hard to make a difference in the final-third and as a result, we could see Kemar Roofe take the field against Preston.

Alfonso Pedraza Sag (LW)

Another change in the attacking line, with Alfonso Pedraza expected to come in for the ineffective Stuart Dallas. The Spanish youngster has been a bright spot in recent weeks and should return to the line-up.

Chris Wood (ST)

Leading the line will be Championship’s leading goal scorer Chris Wood. The New Zealand international hasn’t been at his best in the past two outings and will hope to get a goal or two this weekend.