Predicted Leeds United Line-up To Face Sheffield Wednesday In The EFL Championship
Leeds United will look to recover from their midweek setback, when they take on Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Championship, at the Hillsborough, on Sunday.
Thomas Christiansen’s side were at the top of the table, until Tuesday night, when they were handed a 3-1 defeat by Cardiff City away from home. It would all seem pretty similar to the Leeds fans, who saw their team endure a poor away record last season. The Whites now sit 3rd in the Championship table, 3 points behind leaders Cardiff. They will be hoping to bounce back with a win over the Owls on Sunday.
Team News
Club captain and defensive mainstay Liam Cooper is set to miss out this weekend, after he was sent off in the encounter against Cardiff. Midfielder Eunan O’Kane who missed out on Tuesday due to illness should return to the playing XI. Caleb Ekuban remains the only long-term absentee.
Here’s how Leeds could take the field against Carlos Carvalhal’s side on Sunday:
Manager: Thomas Christiansen
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Felix Wiedwald (GK)
Having conceded in the last two games, the German keeper will be itching to get a clean sheet against the Owls this weekend. Should be Christiansen’s choice to man the goal.
Luke Ayling (RB)
The 26-year old did not have the best of the games during the midweek. Will want to bounce back strongly on Sunday.
Pontus Jansson (CB)
The Swede returned to the line-up on Tuesday and was given a hard time. He will be keen on putting in a strong display. With Cooper absent, he will need to be more responsible.
Matthew Pennington (CB)
The Everton loanee could make just his second start of the season, in place of the suspended Liam Cooper.
Vurnon Anita (LB)
The former Newcastle United man was rested for the midweek game, but is likely to return to the starting setup, in place of Gaetano Berardi.
Eunan O’Kane (CM)
Was sorely missed in the midweek game. He’s expected to be ready and available. He should replace Mateusz Klich, who endured a torrid night against Cardiff.
Kalvin Phillips (CM)
The youngster looks much more assured when playing alongside O’Kane. Should retain his place in the middle of the park for Sunday’s clash.
Hadi Sacko (RW)
The winger had a good game the last time he featured, which was in the cup tie against Burnley. Christiansen might want to give him a run out, in place of Gianni Alioski, who is struggling just a little bit.
Samu Saiz (CAM)
The Spaniard was a surprise exclusion from the playing XI on Tuesday and his ability to split open defences was a big miss for Leeds. Will definitely return on Sunday.
Stuart Dallas (LW)
The Northern Irishman could get his place in the starting line-up, given Pablo Hernandez’s disappointing game on Tuesday.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga (ST)
The German was another big absentee on Tuesday night. He will definitely come back into the playing XI, in place of Kemar Roofe.