Pontus Jansson is expecting a battle tomorrow when Leeds United take on Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship.

Leeds enter the clash in a superior league position to Boro, but on the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Norwich City last weekend. Whilst Tony Pulis’ Boro side will be encouraged by their comeback victory at West Brom on the same day.

Marcelo Bielsa is expected to name Jansson in his starting XI at the Riverside Stadium tomorrow, with the Swedish centre-back expecting a tough test.

Discussing the fixture with Football League World earlier in the week, Jansson said: “It’ll be a tough game, a battle.

“It’s a physical team, a tall team, so it will be a battle.  

“There will be a lot of set-pieces, throw-ins and crosses. It’s going to be a hectic game.” 

The 27-year-old didn’t start against Middlesbrough earlier in the season, as the Teessiders held Leeds to a goalless draw at Elland Road.

That evening there were few chances, but games are starting to open up as fatigue plays a part across the Championship.

Leeds have conceded 10 goals in their five league fixtures in 2019, whilst Middlesbrough, who boast the best defensive record in the entire Championship, haven’t kept a clean sheet since December 29.

For Jansson, he will expect to be in the thick of the action tomorrow, with the defender seemingly up for the battle.

When quizzed if he was up for it, he simply replied: "Yeah, it’s going to be nice.”