Predicted 4-1-4-1 Leeds United XI to face Sheffield United

Leeds United will look to jump to the top of the EFL Championship table, when they take on Sheffield United in the Yorkshire derby at the Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.

The Whites sit second in the table currently, following their narrow 1-0 win over Reading FC this past Tuesday. Just a point below leaders Norwich City, Marcelo Bielsa’s men have a great chance of moving to the summit with a win at least temporarily, given that the Canaries are scheduled to play Rotherham United later in the day.

Team News

Defender Pontus Jansson, who missed the Reading game with an injury, is set for a return to the team on Saturday. Full-back Luke Ayling remains unavailable though, along with Gaetano Berardi. Patrick Bamford is back in training but is unlikely to be rushed back into action.

Here’s how the Whites could line up against their local rivals this weekend;

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Bailey Peacock-Farrell (GK)

The goalkeeper made a comeback from injury against Reading and produced a stunning penalty save to preserve a clean sheet. Guaranteed starter under the crossbar.

Stuart Dallas (RB)

The match-winner for Leeds in the midweek encounter with the only goal of the game, the Northern Irishman should continue as the makeshift right-back against the Blades.

Pontus Jansson (CB)

Having missed the Reading game with an injury, the giant Swede is expected to be fit and available for selection and should start at the Bramall Lane.

Liam Cooper (CM)

The 27-year-old club captain has missed just two games in the Championship this term. Should continue to partner Jansson at the heart of the defence.

Barry Douglas (LB)

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has established himself as a key mat for the Whites since his summer move. Should hold on to his spot at left-back.

Kalvin Phillips (DM)

The Englishman played as a centre-half in the last game, but with Jansson back into contention, he should return to his natural defensive midfield role on Saturday afternoon.

Pablo Hernandez (RW)

The Spaniard has been a key figure in the final third for Bielsa’s side, having scored 6 goals and set up 4 more in 12 games. Should be retained on the right flank.

Adam Forshaw (CM)

Having  started in the holding midfield role in the previous match against Reading, the former Middlesbrough star should find himself pushed further up the pitch for Saturday’s encounter.

Mateusz Klich (CM)

The Poland international has been a consistent source of goals from the middle of the park for the Whites. Definite starter in the Yorkshire derby.

Jack Clarke (LW)

The teenage forward impressed coming on in the second half against Reading. And with Gjanni Alioski struggling to find his rhythm, the youngster should be given his first start at the Bramall Lane.

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Kemar Roofe (ST)

Spearheading the attack once again on Saturday for the Whites should be leading goalscorer Kemar Roofe, who has eight goals to his name in the 2018-19 campaign.