Bamford to lead the line? – Predicted 4-1-4-1 Leeds XI to face Nottingham Forest

published

7/2/2020 12:40 AM

Leeds United Prediction: Probable XI to face Nottingham Forest

Leeds United host Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on Saturday hoping to bounce back to winning ways in the Championship.

The Whites are on a bad run. They have lost three of their last four games, with the latest coming in the shock 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic at Elland Road. Following that defeat, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are just three points clear of the chasing pack in the promotion race.

Leeds’ opponents, Nottingham Forest are right in the promotion mix and will move to within one point of the Whites if they win on Saturday.

Team News

Barry Douglas remains doubtful for the game, while Kalvin Phillips serves his final suspension of a three-game ban. He will, therefore, be available to face Brentford.

Leeds United Prediction: Probable XI

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Kiko Casilla (GK)

Casilla has been very poor between the sticks over the last few games after a solid start to the season. Yet, Bielsa is expected to go with the Spaniard.

Luke Ayling (RB)

Ayling has blown hot and cold this season but he’ll continue operating at right-back.

Ben White of Leeds United reacts to the fans following the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United at The Hawthorns on January 01, 2020 in West Bromwich, England. (Getty Images)

Ben White (CB)

White has been a consistent performer for Leeds United throughout the season and should retain his place in central defence.

Liam Cooper (CB)

A leader at the back, Cooper must start alongside White in central defence against Nottingham Forest.

Ezgjan Alioski (LB)

Alioski has shown he’s more than capable of doing a good job at left-back. With Douglas doubtful, the Macedonian should retain his place at left-back.

Mateusz Klich (CDM)

Klich has not been able to deliver the goods from a deeper role, which is Phillips’ natural position. As Phillips is unavailable on Saturday due to his ban, Klich could be seen again in that role.

Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)

Helder Costa (RW)

Costa can cause problems to the Forest defenders with his movement and pace. He is a certainty to start on Saturday.

Stuart Dallas (LCM)

Going by his current form, it’s highly unlikely to see Dallas miss out on a starting berth. He is an important player for Bielsa’s side.

Pablo Hernandez (RCM)

It was his deflection that that looped over Casilla and into the back of the net against Wigan. Hernandez was unlucky in that case, however. The Spaniard will be aiming to put in a strong display and help the Whites bounce back to winning ways at the weekend.

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford applauds the fans. (Getty Images)

Jack Harrison (LW)

Harrison has improved leaps and bounds this season under Bielsa’s guidance. The on-loan Man City winger should keep his place on the left flank.

Patrick Bamford (ST)

Even though Bamford was guilty of squandering good opportunities against Wigan, he remains Bielsa’s first-choice striker and should start against Forest.