Predicted 4-1-4-1 Leeds United XI to face Reading
Leeds United will face off against Reading FC on matchday 19 of the 2018/19 EFL Championship at Elland Road on Tuesday.
The Whites sit third on the table, following their 2-0 win over Bristol City this past weekend. Three points below leaders Norwich City, Marcelo Bielsa’s side will be aiming to keep up the pressure on the Canaries with a victory against the Royals, who are struggling in the 20th spot.
Team News
Mainstays in the team, Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Pontus Jansson, returned from the international break with injuries and missed the win against the Robins.
The duo is expected to be unavailable for the midweek clash as well, while Gaetano Berardi and Luke Ayling remain absent. Patrick Bamford is back in training but is unlikely to be rushed back into action by the manager.
Here’s how the Yorkshire-based outfit could line up against Paul Clement’s side on Tuesday night;
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Will Huffer (GK)
The 20-year-old made his senior debut against Bristol City over the weekend and had a solid game. Should continue between the sticks in the absence of Peacock-Farrell.
Stuart Dallas (RB)
The Northern Irishman has fared decently in the makeshift position at right-back and should continue to deputize for Luke Ayling on Tuesday night as well.
Aapo Halme (CB)
Another player who made his senior debut for the Whites over the weekend, the 20-year-old had a good game and must look to build on it against the Royals.
Liam Cooper (CB)
The club captain should partner up with Halme at the heart of the defence and must guide the young defender on Tuesday night.
Barry Douglas (LB)
The Scotsman has become an integral part of the team since moving to Elland Road in the summer. Should hold on to his spot on the left side of the back four.
Kalvin Phillips (DM)
The 22-year-old has grown from strength-to-strength under the tutelage of Bielsa this season. A definite starter in the holding midfield role.
Pablo Hernandez (RW)
The veteran continues to dazzle for the Whites and was on the scoresheet over the weekend. Should keep his spot on the right flank.
Adam Forshaw (CM)
The former Middlesbrough man adds value to the team with his contribution in both halves of the pitch. In line to make his 12th appearance of the season.
Mateusz Klich (CM)
The third-highest goalscorer for the Whites this season with 5 goals to his name, the Polish midfielder is a shoo-in for the starting XI for the game against Reading.
Jack Harrison (LW)
The on-loan attacker from Manchester City made an impact coming on from the bench over the weekend and should replace the ineffective Gjanni Alioski on the left-wing.
Kemar Roofe (ST)
Spearheading the attack for Leeds on Tuesday should be leading goalscorer Kemar Roofe, who took his tally in the Championship to 8 goals against Bristol City on Saturday.
