Football League World

4-2-3-1: The predicted Leeds United XI Garry Monk will field to play Huddersfield on Sunday

By Alfie Burns

Published Feb 3, 2017

Leeds United travel to Huddersfield Town this Sunday, in what will be one of the most high-profile West Yorkshire derbies in recent years.

Both sides are currently sitting in the Sky Bet Championship play-off places and aiming for promotion to the Premier League.

Huddersfield defeated Leeds 1-0, in the reverse fixture- Aaron Mooy’s goal enough to steal a tight contest.

Back in October, when this game was played, Huddersfield were top of the league and Leeds were struggling near the foot of the table.

Since then, Leeds have turned their season around and are looking for a top-flight return.

Garry Monk strengthened his side recently with the signings of Alfonso Pedraza and Mo Barrow.

Both are eligible to make their debuts in Sunday’s game, here is how Monk could line up for the Yorkshire derby:

GK: Rob Green

Green has been Monk’s number one all season.

The former England keeper has been ever- present in the league, and has only made way for Marco Silvestri in the cup competitions.

RB: Luke Ayling

Ayling has been one of Leeds’ best players this season, forming a solid defensive unit with Kyle Bartley, Pontus Jansson and Charlie Taylor.

The former Bristol City man has also provided over in the centre of Leeds’ defence.

Bartley is on a season-long loan deal from Swansea City and has been in fine form.

Bartley has captained Leeds through Liam Bridcutt’s recent injury and scored four-goals this term.

Jansson has established himself as a cult-hero at Elland Road.

The Swedish defender is on-loan from Torino, with Leeds looking to buy him in the summer.

His partnership with Bartley is crucial to Leeds’ promotion hopes.

Injury to Charlie Taylor has seen Berardi play at left-back.

Despite being right footed, the Swiss defender has been excellent for Leeds in Taylor’s absence.

The 18-year old is in his first full season at Elland Road but has played a big part in Leeds’ rise up the table.

Covering for an injured Bridcutt for most of the season, Vieira has kept his place alongside the Leeds skipper.

Bridcutt is the club’s captain, and has made a great impact within a young side since returning from injury.

He was vital in Leeds’ survival last season and could be key in their success this term.

Dallas provides energy down the Leeds flanks, despite not offering the attacking threat of Souleymane Doukara.

His goal against Blackburn shows he deserves a chance and in a Yorkshire derby Dallas’ work rate could be key for Leeds.

Roofe should start ahead of new signings, Pedraza and Barrow.

Despite only scoring two-goals this season, the forward’s performances have improved week by week.

The former Spanish international is key to how Leeds play.

His creativity and composure on the ball have turned him into a crowd favourite.

His assists have been crucial this season and he has scored some important goals.

Leeds’ main man is Chris Wood, in his last performance he netted his 20^th goal of the season.

If Leeds are going to gain promotion to the Premier League, they need to keep Wood fit and in the team.