What should Heckingbottom’s starting XI be on Sunday?
We look ahead to Sunday’s game against Bristol City, and I give my opinion on how the team should look.
The Whites need to get back to winning ways as fast as possible, and on Sunday, they face a very strong Bristol City side. I do think we have the ability within the team to beat the Robins, and because of the importance of the result, I once again giving my 11 and formation ahead of the game.
Felix Wiedwald
Wiedwald has finally established himself as the first choice keeper. To his credit, coming back after being dropped and still improving as a goal keeper shows the real quality the young German has.
He played a major part in us avoiding defeat at Hull and was instrumental in picking the up points we did throughout December.
Laurens De Bock
The recruitment at the club has come under fire after the departure of Thomas Christiansen, but with De Bock, Leeds have acquired a player who looks like he is going to be the real deal in the Championship.
Every time I see him play, I notice how he is becoming more comfortable within English football. It looks like we have found a player who can fill the left back problem that has hindered us all season.
Matthew Pennington
When we beat Bolton on the opening, Pennington stood out and was unfortunate to pick up the injury he did. After that, we went on a great run with Cooper and Jansson laying the foundations for the early season success, which in turn meant that when Pennington returned to fitness, he had lost his place in the XI.
However, the suspension of Cooper has given Pennington another chance. Last week he grabbed it with both hands with a strong display against Sheffield United.
The defence will play a major part in the outcome of Sunday’s game, and if Pennington can play to the standard we have in seen parts this season, it might be difficult for our captain to regain his place.
Pontus Jansson
The type of game Pontus Jansson has usually dictates how the afternoon plays out for the Whites. If Jansson is on it, we should win easily on Sunday. I do not think he has had the best season so far, but he is our best player in my opinion and when fit and available, he is the first name on the team sheet.
Vernon Anita
This is probably the first of two players that I have included that people may question. With injuries and suspensions limiting the choices at right back, we have seen Dallas playing in the right back position — but for how much I rate Dallas, he is not a full back, period, and he is definitely not a right sided full back.
We need a player who is more familiar with the role, and Anita has featured for both us and Newcastle in the position to good effect. To be honest, Anita should be featuring more in the middle of the park, but out of the limited options, I personally prefer him over Dallas at right back.
Adam Forshaw
Along with De Bock, Forshaw has settled into life at Leeds wonderfully and since his debut has been our best player. He adds control in the centre of midfield, and I think him playing just between the midfield and defence on Sunday will allow the attacking players the comfort to express themselves.
Going forward, Forshaw will become the spine within the midfield and will mostly likely be a permanent fixture in the team.
Ronaldo Vieira
In contrast to Forshaw, Vieira has struggled to be consistent this season and the confidence we have in him has started to diminish recently. I have included him because he can completely dominate a midfield and be a catalyst for a win. We saw that in the reverse fixture at Aston Gate — he was unbelievable that day and we ran out with an emphatic win.
The performance of Vieira and his central midfield partner will ultimately decide the result on Sunday, so let’s hope we see the Vieira we saw throughout last season.
Eunan O’Kane
Unfortunately, O’Kane’s display last week will be remembered because he was at fault for both goals. However, during the game I felt his distribution and overall play was pretty decent.
O’Kane has the tactical knowledge to influence games and you can see him re-organising and encouraging players. Regardless of the mistakes last week, O’Kane is instrumental to the team and that is why he partners Vieira in my XI for Sunday.
Pablo Hernandez
The introduction of Hernandez last week completely changed the way we played and his creativity nearly gave us a victory that looked impossible in the first 45 minutes.
With Saiz suspended, we have lacked that creative player who can make something happen out of nowhere and, in Hernandez, we have that player and I hope Heckingbottom realises this and we see him on the team sheet.
Hadi Sacko
The second player whose inclusion should cause a stir is Hadi Sacko. However, with Roofe and Alioski both struggling for form and a lack of other options, Sacko has a chance to re-establish himself in the team.
His pace should cause problems and, with Bristol playing attacking football, Sacko will have space to exploit. I genuinely think he could be effective on Sunday.
If Sacko can find some form he can be a real asset and can add the excitement the team have lacked in recent weeks.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga
I have always rated Lasogga: He is the only out-and-out striker we have in the squad and at different stages of the season we have seen his ability in front of goal. If Lasogga is fit he should start the rest of the games this season.
4–1–4–1
I am a big fan of the 4–1–4–1 formation: It gives the team a balance and adaptability when defending or attacking. Heckingbottom favours the formation as well, and I think the ability to change into a 4–3–3 is a big plus, especially against a side like Bristol who will commit men forward and leave space further up the pitch.
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