Leeds United Predicted Lineup vs Wolves for September 20

Leeds United are back on the road to take on bottom-placed Wolves, with the Whites hoping to bounce back from a deeply disappointing defeat against Fulham. Despite looking positively robust at the back so far this season, Daniel Farke’s side have managed just one goal in four games, and will be desperate to get on the scoresheet in Wolverhampton.

Leeds United Predicted Lineup for Early Relegation Clash vs Wolves

How Leeds Have Lined Up Recently

Lucas Perri’s absence meant Karl Darlow was selected in goal for the trip to Fulham, and the Welshman was highly impressive, keeping the Cottagers comfortably at bay until Gabriel Gudmundsson’s late own goal broke Leeds hearts. With Perri still out, Darlow looks set to keep his place against Wolves.

The promotion-winning duo of Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon continue to be Farke’s preferred centre-back pairing, and both have been largely effective at keeping Premier League forwards quiet. At full-back, Jayden Bogle operated on the right-hand side with the unfortunate Gudmundsson, who was reportedly in tears after the game, utilised at left back.

It was a welcome return at the base of midfield for captain Ethan Ampadu, whose physicality and leadership make him a vital cog in Leeds’ machine. Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff completed the midfield, with the latter coming closest to scoring against Fulham with a rocket of a strike that just clipped the crossbar. 

Out wide, summer signing Noah Okafor was given a first league start on the left ahead of Willy Gnonto, and there were some encouraging signs for the Swiss international. Brenden Aaronson was also given a surprising starting berth on the right-hand side, which the Leeds boss hinted was due to his off-the-ball determination and work ethic. 

Up front, new boy Dominic Calvert-Lewin was handed his first Premier League start for Leeds, and the former Everton man had some promising touches. However, the England international will know that he needs to start hitting the back of the net as soon as possible, which the Whites have struggled to do so far this campaign.

Leeds Recent Form and Tactics

After four games, Leeds find themselves on four points, leaving them currently languishing in 16th place. Whilst a ratio of a point a game would likely be good enough for the Whites to stay up this season, their inability to score goals is turning into a significant problem.

Only Aston Villa (0) have scored fewer goals than Leeds’ one, and Farke’s side haven’t managed to score since Lukas Nmecha’s penalty on opening day. The Yorkshire side have an Expected Goals (xg) tally of 3.78 across their four games, which is superior to teams such as Nottingham Forest (3.67) and Sunderland (3.34), who have scored four and five goals respectively.

This suggests a serious lack of cutting edge in Leeds’ forward line, something they will have to improve on when they take on relegation rivals such as Wolves.

Leeds Absences to Consider

Wingers Daniel James and Willy Gnonto are both “major doubts” for the weekend, meaning that late fitness tests will be required to judge if either can be involved.

Lucas Perri also remains out of contention, with more news expected on the Brazilian goalkeeper shortly.

Key midfield man Ao Tanaka will be available for Leeds this weekend, although it remains to be seen whether he will be immediately restored to the starting lineup.

Leeds United Predicted Lineup

GK: Karl Darlow

RB: Jayden Bogle

CB: Joe Rodon

CB: Pascal Struijk

LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson

CM: Ethan Ampadu

CM: Ao Tanaka

CM: Anton Stach

RW: Brenden Aaronson

LW: Noah Okafor

ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin