Leeds United’s Premier League campaign continues with a key relegation clash against Nottingham Forest, as the Whites look to bounce back from a crushing 3-0 defeat at Brighton. A miserable afternoon on the South Coast saw Daniel Farke’s side thoroughly dominated by the Seagulls, and they will be desperate to get back to winning ways against 19th-placed Forest.
Leeds Predicted Lineup for Relegation Six-Pointer vs Nottingham Forest
How Leeds Have Lined Up Recently
Leeds put out an unchanged side for the Brighton game with summer signing Lucas Perri retaining his place in goal. Farke’s men haven’t kept a clean sheet since August, and are perhaps yet to see the best of the Brazilian between the sticks.
In central defence, Jaka Bijol has partnered the impressive Joe Rodon in the last two games, but the Whites may need to shake up a defence that conceded three and was generally poor all-round against Brighton. Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson have started every game this season at right and left-back, respectively, and will be unlikely to be replaced any time soon.
Read More: Sunderland vs Arsenal: How to Stream, Odds and Predicted Lineup for the Gunners
In midfield, the trio of Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, and Sean Longstaff had a torrid afternoon at the Amex, meaning that Anton Stach could be recalled to the starting lineup. The German has shown flashes of brilliance in a United shirt since his summer arrival, and his ability to make things happen could make the difference against Sean Dyche’s side.
On the left flank, Noah Okafor has had an impressive start to the season and looks to be the only player in Leeds’s ranks who is willing to take on his man and drive at opponents. On the opposite side, Brenden Aaronson has produced some high-class performances but will surely now be replaced by either Daniel James or the returning Willy Gnonto, who provide far more creativity.
Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has now gone six games without a goal, and could see his place in the starting lineup challenged if he continues not to take his chances. Fellow forward Lukas Nmecha looked more of a threat than the Englishman when he came on against Brighton, so could be in line for a start against the Tricky Trees.
Leeds Recent Form and Tactics
With ten games played, we have a reasonable idea of the level Leeds are currently at, and what they perhaps could be doing better. Farke’s side are currently languishing in 16th place with 11 points, leaving them four clear of the relegation zone. Prior to the season starting, most Leeds fans would have been more than happy with a ratio of one point per game, but the Brighton defeat made it abundantly clear that there is room for improvement.
The Whites have failed to score in four out of five of their away games so far this season, shipping 12 goals in the process. With trips to Forest, Brentford, and Sunderland all before the new year, United will need to start picking up points on the road soon, or they could very quickly find themselves in the relegation places.
Leeds Absences to Consider
Calvert-Lewin faces a late call to see if he will be able to feature after picking up an abductor issue against Brighton.
Gnonto could make his long-awaited return after being in full team training for the last two weeks, with Farke saying his injury is ‘not a risk any more’ .
Sebastiaan Bournauw, who is yet to feature in the Premier League, is out of contention after suffering an MCL injury.
Leeds Predicted Lineup
GK: Lucas Perri
RB: Jayden Bogle
CB: Joe Rodon
CB: Jaka Bijol
LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
CM: Ethan Ampadu
CM: Sean Longstaff
CM: Anton Stach
RW: Willy Gnonto
LW: Noah Okafor
ST: Lukas Nmecha
Featured Image Credit:
IMAGO / Action Plus
