Leeds Utd v Birmingham City Match Thread - Pablo still missing, Alyling captains the side

Leeds Utd v Birmingham City

Saturday 19th October 2019 15.00 | Elland Road


With the International break over for another month, Leeds can try to get back on track with their promotion campaign, but only if they overcome Pep Clotet's Birmingham City.

The ex Leeds Utd assistant Manager is in caretaker charge of the Blues following Garry Monks sacking in the Summer! They have had an average start to the season collecting 16 points from eleven games. Leeds on the other hand are seven places higher. Should Leeds suffer defeat, the Midlanders will be one point behind them.

Pablo Hernandez is fit for visit of Birmingham. Adam Forshaw & Jamie Shackleton due back next week with Liam Cooper slightly behind them in his recover from groin injury. Dallas could revert back to the middle of the park. Barry Douglas may be preferred to Alioski having impressed during the second half at the Den and there is a big question mark over Costa who has not impressed yet. Berardi is available for selection following having his red card overturned.





The big question of everyone's mind is will Bielsa start with Nketiah. The England U21 forward bought his tally up to eight goals in seven appearances for his Country having scored a hattrick in midweek. His subsequent interview with Sky Sports will do little to endear himself to the chosen one but surely he must be pushing for a start?

Birmingham's Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero is still not fit, despite being back in training ahead of schedule. Josh McEachran, who joined Blues as a free agent at the end of last month, is still working on his match sharpness. The Blues did the double over Leeds last season, with the now departed Che Adams scoring all three of their goals as they followed up a 2-1 victory at Elland Road 13 months ago with a 1-0 win at St Andrew's in April.


Leeds Starting XI:
Casilla, Ayling (c), White, Berardi, Alioski, Phillips, Klich, Dallas, Costa, Harrison, Bamford