Predicted Leeds United XI to face Stoke City in the Championship
Leeds United lost three on a trot to Hull City, Nottingham Forest and QPR but the Peacocks got themselves back to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Derby County in the Championship last week.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men are four points clear of Norwich City at the top of the table and they will be the favourites to bag all three points when they make the trip to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City on Saturday.
Stoke City lost to Brentford last week and the Potters, placed 15th in the standings, will be keen to climb up the table to push for a top-ten finish.
Team News
Kalvin Phillips will serve the last game of his red card suspension while Barry Douglas is out with a muscular problem. Patrick Bamford (knee) and Stuart Dallas (foot) are back in training from their injuries but are unlikely to be rushed into action. Gaetano Berardi is expected to be out of action till February due to a hamstring issue while Pontus Jansson is likely to start after picking up a slight knock against Derby last week.
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Predicted XI
1. Bailey Peacock-Farrell (GK)
The Northern Irishman didn’t have too much to di between the sticks last week and he will be expected to retain his place in the line-up.
2. Luke Ayling (RB)
He put a solid performance defensively against Derby last week and Leeds will need him to continue his good work.
3. Liam Cooper (CB)
He was the standout performer at the heart of the defence against Derby, winning the aerial balls, making tackles and interceptions and didn’t allow the opposition any space.
4. Pontus Jansson (CB)
The Swedish international looked very comfortable at the back last week and has been a familiar face at the back for the Peacocks.
5. Ezgjan Alioski (LB)
The Macedonian has filled in the boots of Barry Douglas really well and impressed with a well-rounded display on the left of the backline against Derby.
6. Adam Forshaw (CDM)
He had a wonderful outing last week and Bielsa should continue to rely on him to deliver the goods.
7. Jack Clarke (RW)
The youngster produced a great cross to assist Kemar Roofe last week and capped off a man-of-the-match performance by playing a part in the second goal as well.
8. Jack Harrison (LW)
The Manchester City loanee had a good game last week and he should be amongst the starters for this one as well.
9. Pablo Hernandez (CM)
The Spaniard played some good passes in the final third last week and dropped deep to win back possession.
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10. Mateusz Klich (CM)
Solid in the tackle and comfortable in possession, the Polish international had a really good outing against Derby last week.
11. Kemar Roofe (ST)
He got his name on the scoresheet in the last game and Leeds will once again need their talisman to fire this weekend.
