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MOT View: One change, Costa to start - Predicted Leeds starting XI v Middlesbrough
Four wins on the spin haven’t been enough for Leeds United to stay on top of the table, with West Brom also finding some devastating form.
Crucially, however, there is a gap starting to grow back to third, with Leeds five points clear of Fulham.
Leeds also have the most favourable fixtures at the moment and face struggling Middlesbrough next at Elland Road on Saturday.
Middlesbrough hauled themselves out of the drop zone with a win against Barnsley in midweek but that was only their third victory of the season.
With Ashley Fletcher and Britt Assombalonga playing upfront for Boro, Marcelo Bielsa will likely play a 3-3-3-1 formation again, with just one probable change.
Tyler Roberts limped out of the game against Reading and was replaced by Helder Costa. Even if Roberts is fit, there’s a big case for Costa to start. He looked much better out wide than Pablo Hernandez, who can slot back into the middle on Saturday.
Eddie Nketiah is back in training for Leeds but he won’t be getting his first start against Boro. Patrick Bamford will continue to lead the line, with Jack Harrison on the left.
There’s a case also for Ezgjan Alioski to come back into the XI. He energised the game against Reading, was instrumental in the goal and he’ll be unlucky not to feature.
However, with four wins in a row, we just can’t see Bielsa making big changes and we think the midfield and the defence stays the same.
Leeds will go top again with a win, with West Brom facing a tricky visit to Preston on Monday night.
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