Leeds United were narrowly beaten 3-2 by local rivals Barnsley at the weekend to hand their play-off hopes something of a dent.

The Whites were put to the sword by three goals in nine minutes either side of the half-time interval, with Chris Wood’s brace proving to be nothing but consolation.

Garry Monk’s outfit still sit pretty inside the top six of the Championship and he will undoubtedly be looking to get back to winning ways on Wednesday evening when Nottingham Forest arrive in West Yorkshire.

The Reds ran out 1-0 winners against Bristol City on Saturday, although they haven’t won away since November in the Sky Bet Championship.

Football League World writer Lee Clarke looks at a 4-2-3-1 formation that should be enough to see Leeds United fend off any threat from Forest and claim a vital three points.

GK – Robert Green

The Leeds United stopper has been in typically consistent form for the Whites this season, with boss Garry Monk a firm admirer of the veteran.

His experience is a vital component of the Whites’ defensive unit, and despite shipping three goals at the weekend, should retain his place for the visit of Forest.

RB – Luke Ayling

The summer signing played in an unfamiliar central defensive role at the weekend but the return to the side of Pontus Jansson is likely to see Ayling revert.

Ayling is tough in the tackle and is also a nuisance going forward in attack. Forest will need to watch the right-back very carefully.

CB – Kyle Bartley

The ex-Arsenal prospect has been a shrewd signing for Leeds since arriving in the summer from Swansea City, adding a steely presence to the back four.

Bartley is only on loan at Elland Road at the moment, although his performances so far have suggested that the club would be foolish not to try and sign him permanently once his temporary deal expires.

CB – Pontus Jansson

The central defender was sorely missed in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat by Barnsley and is return to the side will be a massive plus for the Whites on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old has been one of the signings of the season in the Championship and Leeds will no doubt be looking to extend his stay at Elland Road beyond this season.

LB – Gaetano Berardi

Although naturally a right-back, Berardi has deputised for Charlie Taylor in a left-back berth of late performing solidly in the process.

The Swiss defender should keep his place for the Forest game and his composed style of play has been vital to the Whites in recent weeks.

CM – Liam Bridcutt

The former Sunderland man has captained the side for the last five league matches and his leadership qualities are clearly a strong asset to the Leeds squad.

Bridcutt is a fine player at Championship level and the Whites will be hoping that his good current form can continue until the end of the season.

CM - Ronaldo Vieira

The 18-year-old is capable of playing in several midfield roles, although he has found himself utilised as an out and out central midfielder in recent weeks.

The Guinea-born youngster has done extremely well to hold down a regular place in Garry Monk’s side and his form has improved as the season as progressed.

RW - Kemar Roofe

The man who signed from Oxford United in the summer is a regular name on the Leeds United team sheet and his form over the last month has been excellent.

The 24-year-old has helped himself to three goals so far this season and the Forest full-backs will need to be extremely watchful of Roofe on Wednesday.

AMC – Pablo Hernandez

Garry Monk pulled off a real coup in the summer when he lured Hernandez to West Yorkshire and after a tricky start to life in the Championship the former Swansea man has proved his worth with a string of fine performances.

Hernandez has been occupying a number ten role in the Leeds United attack and his creativity is a massive weapon for the Whites.

AML – Stuart Dallas

Garry Monk might opt to reinstate Dallas to the starting line-up against Forest with extra emphasis placed on pace out wide.

The Northern Ireland international is something of a speed merchant and he could be a real menace to the Nottingham Forest back four should he be called upon.

ST – Chris Wood

The uncompromising striker has been in fine form for Leeds United this season, netting 19 goals from his 30 games in all competitions.

Wood’s biggest strength is that he is capable of scoring all different types of goals, making him an absolute nightmare to play against.

Forest will need to be at their very best to stop Wood adding to his tally in midweek.

Leeds United fans, will this be the team which starts on Wednesday evening? What changes would you make to this side? Let us know in the comments below!!!

[ad_pod id='Shoot-Xmas-Survey' align='left']