Predicted Leeds United XI to face Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship
Leeds United crashed out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Monday but the West Yorkshire giants impressed one and all with their lion-hearted display, proving that they are ready to make the step up to the top-flight.
The Championship is set to return to action this weekend after an enthralling round of FA Cup fixtures and Leeds United will be looking to strengthen their automatic promotion credentials when they play host to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
The Whites are currently sitting top of the Championship standings, just above West Brom on goal difference, while Garry Monk’s side have slipped down to 8th after losing each of their last three league fixtures.
Team News
Leeds United have no new additions to their injury list ahead of the weekend clash against the Owls.
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Manager: Marcelo Bielsa
Predicted XI
1. Kiko Casilla (GK)
Illan Meslier stook between the sticks in the FA Cup tie but the former Real Madrid star has always been the undisputed first-choice for Bielsa in the Championship.
2. Luke Ayling (RB)
The former Arsenal man put in an excellent display at both ends of the pitch against his former club on Monday and he is expected to retain his place in the eleven.
3. Liam Cooper (CB)
Heralded as the leader of Leeds United’s backline, Cooper has been a defensive mainstay at Elland Road for a number of seasons and he is likely to start against the Owls.
4. Ben White (CB)
The Brighton loanee has been one of the best central defenders in the second-tier this season and there are surely no question marks regarding his inclusion.
5. Ezgjan Alioski (LB)
The Macedonian international was deployed in an advanced wide role against the Gunners but he is likely to return to start at left-back on Saturday.
6. Kalvin Phillips (CDM)
One of the key cogs in Bielsa’s wheel at Elland Road, Phillips continues to be an undisputed starter and certainly one of the first names on the manager’s team sheet.
7. Stuart Dallas (RCM)
The Northern Irishman has slotted seamlessly into a midfield role in the absence of Pablo Hernandez and he is unlikely to miss out on a starting berth based on his recent form.
8. Mateusz Klich (LCM)
The Pole remains an influential creative outlet for the Whites in the middle of the park and he will be high on confidence after a brave all-round display against Arsenal.
9. Jack Harrison (LW)
The Man City loanee has already racked up a number of goals and assists in the Championship this season and he should once again be amongst the starters against Sheffield Wednesday.
10. Helder Costa (RW)
The Wolves loanee hasn’t really hit top gear since his return to the second-tier this season but he continues to be a regular fixture in Bielsa’s playing eleven.
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11. Patrick Bamford (ST)
The former Chelsea man’s all-round game has been instrumental in Leeds’ success and there is no doubting Bielsa’s trust in him as the first-choice No.9.
