Predicted Leeds United XI to face Derby County in the Championship Playoffs
Leeds United beat Derby County 1-0 at Pride Park in the first leg of the EFL Championship Playoff semi-final on Saturday to take a step closer Wembley, thanks to a solitary goal from Kemar Roofe.
The Whites narrowly missed out on automatic promotion but they will be the favourites to make it to the Playoff finals when they face off against Frank Lampard’s side at Elland Park on Wednesday for the second leg.
Having failed to register a single shot on target, the Rams have a massive task on their hands in the second leg away from home and they will need to come up with something extraordinary to upset Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Team News
Adam Forshaw had to be withdrawn early in the first leg due to an injury and he is doubtful to play a part on Wednesday while Patrick Bamford will be pushing for a return from his knee injury. Centre-back Pontus Jansson missed the first leg due to an ankle injury but he will be pushing for a return in the reverse fixture at home.
Tyler Roberts is unlikely to play a part due to his ankle injury, while Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski are long-term absentees for the Whites.
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Predicted XI
1. Kiko Casilla (GK)
The former Real Madrid shot-stopper had very little to do in the first leg triumph at Pride Park but he has always been a reliable presence between the sticks in the Championship this season.
2. Luke Ayling (RB)
He has been a reliable presence on the ight-hand side of the backline for the Whites this season and came up with another assured display in the first leg.
3. Liam Cooper (CB)
He has been one of the key figures at the back for Leeds and did his reputation no harm on Saturday.
4. Gaetano Berardi (CB)
The Swiss international made an important block to deny David Nugent on Saturday and he should retain his place if Jansson doesn’t make it back in time.
5. Stuart Dallas (LB)
He wasn’t tested much defensively but spurned a good chance early in the first leg.
6. Kalvin Phillips (CDM)
The academy graduate put in another dogged and impressive performance in the midfield on Saturday and he should retain his place for this one.
7. Pablo Hernandez (RW)
The veteran Spaniard didn’t have the best of games in the first leg and missed a golden opportunity with the goal gaping in front of him.
8. Jack Harrison (LW)
The Man City loanee has blown hot and cold this season but he played a peach of a ball behind the defence to set up Roofe for the winner on Saturday.
9. Mateusz Klich (CM)
The Pole caused Derby quite a few problems in the first leg victory and he will be looking to continue his good run of form at home on Wednesday.
10. Jamie Shackleton (CM)
The youngster rose to the occasion after coming off the bench to replace the injured Adam Forshaw in the first leg and he is likely to continue in that role, with Bamford and Roberts on the sidelines.
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11. Kemar Roofe (ST)
Leeds’ top-scorer once again came to their rescue on Saturday and the Whites will be hoping for him to fire on all cylinders in the second leg as well.
