Leeds United are beginning life in the EFL Championship once again, with the Whites looking to get off to a strong start. Take a look at Last Word on Football’s Leeds United predicted lineup for the clash with Cardiff City and see how the season is likely to start at Elland Road.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup for Cardiff City Clash
Leeds United Pre-Season Summary
The Whites have had a varied pre-season, but one that has shown a fairly consistent side lineup against a range of opponents. An opening clash against Manchester United didn’t yield the results that Daniel Farke will have expected, with a loss against Monaco immediately following it. However, pre-season ended on a positive note, with two wins in a row against Nottingham Forest and Hearts, not conceding a single goal in the process.
These matches have allowed the squad to get into something of a rhythm, with previous outcasts such as Ian Poveda and Daniel James proving themselves to be incredibly valuable players that can bring the Whites attacking opportunities. Charlie Cresswell has also impressed throughout pre-season, earning himself the number five shirt, whilst Sam Byram has secured a return to the club on a free transfer as reported exclusively by Last Word on Football on Friday night.
Watch: Leeds United’s Pre-Season Report
Daniel Farke’s Tactics
When in attack, Leeds United follow something of a 4-2-3-1 structure. The back four sees full-backs that invert whilst aggressively pushing up the pitch to cause overloads that give opponents a range of issues. Two holding midfielders reduce the chance of a counter-attack harming the side, whilst the attacking line of three work in an extremely fluid manner to throw defenders off and stretch the back line. The number nine isn’t necessarily a pure striker, and drops in somewhat to support chance creation in the build-up.
Defensive structure is one of the main benefits of Farke’s style, especially in comparison with the days of Jesse Marsch and Sam Allardyce. Being aware of defence even when on the ball has been an issue in the past, but the addition of Ethan Ampadu goes a long way to resolving this issue. Fans won’t know whether this transition has been successful or not until the match, but there are hopes of significant improvements.
Read More: Leeds United Sign Sam Byram
Leeds United Injuries
Thorp Arch’s physio room is sure to be rammed with wounded players at the moment, with centre-forward being the most severely affected position. Georginio Rutter, Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph are all missing for the season opener, with Joe Gelhardt and Sonny Perkins being the only remaining strikers. Dan James can do a job there, but he’s proven his skill on the wing thus far in pre-season.
Major issues exist in other positions, with Junior Firpo being absent for all of pre-season, Tyler Adams’ long term injury not yet relenting and Jack Harrison remaining out. Farke’s choices for his Elland Road debut remain relatively slim. Cody Drameh missing most of pre-season is also an ominous sign.
Read More: Leeds United in Transfer Tug of War
Leeds United Predicted Lineup
Illan Meslier; Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Charlie Cresswell, Sam Byram; Ethan Ampadu, Archie Gray; Luis Sinisterra, Ian Poveda, Dan James; Joe Gelhardt
Image courtesy of Joe Blackburn, licensed to Last Word on Sports.
