The Leeds United team to face Derby has been announced and youngster Jamie Shackleton has been called up to the side. He was the player who I expected to make the squad as he can play in various roles, he may be called upon if we have issues at full-back or need legs in the centre of the park.
The rest of the team is unchanged from the win over Stoke City and that means only a place on the bench for both Pontus Jansson and Patrick Bamford. It’s a strong looking team again and will be the same fluid 4-1-4-1 formation that worked so well last week. If Leeds can get on top of Derby early on they can get hold of a side who will want to give Frank Lampard a winning start at home.
Leeds United XI
Gk – Baily Peacock-Farrell – Keeps his place as expected.
RB – Luke Ayling – Not much doubt about him anymore, will be up against the impressive Tom Lawrence.
CB – Gaetano Berardi – How long can he keep Jansson out of the side? So impressive last week.
CB – Liam Cooper (c) – Cooper retains his place. Another working to keep Jansson out of the side.
LB – Barry Douglas – Had a cracking debut last week and needs to be pushing the Derby wingers back as much as possible today.
DM – Kalvin Phillips – A key role in this team under Bielsa. Need a big performance from him.
CM – Mateusz Klich – The link between the back and the forward lines. So important.
CAM – Samu Saiz – Was a joy to see him last week, let’s hope for more of the same today.
RW – Pablo Hernandez – Went under the radar slightly last week, but was a key player.
LW – Gjanni Alioski – Arguably the best game I’ve seen him play in a Leeds shirt last week. Needs another few like it.
ST – Kemar Roofe – Keeping a £7 million striker out of the team. A huge performance last week.
Subs
Jamal Blackman, Jamie Shackleton, Pontus Jansson, Lewis Baker, Jack Harrison, Tyler Roberts, Patrick Bamford