Paul Heckingbottom has hardly had the impact he would’ve hoped for at Leeds United, with their season drifting towards a mid-table finish in mid-March.
Since arriving at Elland Road, Heckingbottom has recorded just one victory and managed to pick up just six points from a possible 21, which has left Leeds’ play-off dream a distant memory.
Leeds’ solo victory under Heckingbottom came against Brentford last month, and the 40-year-old will be looking for another home victory this weekend, when the Whites welcome Sheffield Wednesday to Elland Road.
Like Leeds, Wednesday have failed to match the ambition of their supporters this season, with the Owls struggling under Jos Luhukay towards the bottom end of the table.
Here at FLW, we look ahead to Saturday and select an alternative starting XI that Heckingbottom could turn to, as he goes in search of his second victory.
Due to Wednesday playing with a 3-5-2 formation under Luhukay, we have opted for a similar tactic within Leeds’ squad…
Peacock-Farrell is in control of the goalkeeping jersey at Elland Road right now and must continue in Heckingbottom’s starting XI.
Pennington deputised for Liam Cooper against Reading last weekend, and with Leeds’ captain still struggling with injury, the on-loan Everton defender keeps his place.
Jansson lines up centrally in a back three.
Heckingbottom will be looking for another big performance from the Swede as he looks to turn things around.
Berardi has proved to be defensively flexible this season for Leeds, and could take up a role on the left of a three.
The Swiss defender has featured at left-back and even centre-back on occasion this season, so should be able to adapt to this role.
Dallas plays as a wing-back for the Northern Ireland national side, and Leeds’ supporters will be keen to see what he can offer in a similar role at Elland Road.
Forshaw has been great for Leeds since his arrival and is almost certain to continue centrally.
Vieira hasn’t been finding his best this season for Leeds, but it is time for Heckingbottom to pair his best two central midfielders together.
Like Dallas, Alioski has featured for his country as a wing-back.
Alioski has never let Leeds down defensively this season, and with Heckingbottom faced with a selection dilemma at left-back, the Macedonian international could be the answer.
The 3-4-2-1 system would free Hernandez of his defensive responsibility, without leaving Leeds outnumbered defensively.
Like Hernandez, Saiz would have very little responsibility in this system and could potentially thrive.
Getting Hernandez and Saiz as far up the pitch as possible should be Heckingbottom’s aim this weekend.
Caleb Ekuban doesn’t bring the goal threat that his German teammate does, which gives Lasogga the edge.
Having Hernandez and Saiz in close support will help the 26-year-old.