Predicted Leeds side to play Preston: Monk set to axe four?

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Here is how we expect Leeds United and Preston North End to line-up for their weekend Championship encounter.

To be played on Saturday 8th April 2017 at 16:00. Venue: Elland Road, Leeds

Odds: Leeds 11/10, Draw 23/10, Preston 13/5

Leeds United’s Kyle Bartley and Leeds United’s Luke Ayling (R) look dejected

Leeds United welcome Preston North End to Yorkshire for what promises to be an intriguing meeting at Elland Road.

Garry Monk’s Leeds, still reeling from suffering back-to-back defeats within the last week, head into the game buoyed by the potential return of Hadi Sacko – after the 23-year-old looks set to recover from the ankle issue that caused his absence from the 2-0 loss to Brentford last time out.

If risked from the start, Sacko is likely to replace the on-loan Modou Barrow on the right flank – with fellow transfer day loan import Alfonso Pedraza drafted in on the opposite side at the anticipated expense of Stuart Dallas.

Another Leeds man pushing for a recall to the starting XI is Ronaldo Vieira. The 18-year-old missed the defeat to the Bees on Tuesday evening, but is expected to be afforded a starting berth alongside Liam Bridcutt in Monk’s central midfield engine room – meaning a Kalvin Phillips demotion to the bench.

Ronaldo Vieira of Leeds United

After playing in three out of the last five games, a fourth potential change could see Monk select Charlie Taylor at left back ahead of Gaetano Berardi, as part of a back four completed by Luke Ayling, Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson.

Fellow defender Liam Cooper serves the second of his six game suspension and will not feature in any first team consideration until Leeds’ final game of the league season in early May.

Preston manager Simon Grayson

Meanwhile, opponents Preston could remain unchanged after their comprehensive 5-0 victory over Bristol City last time out.

Callum Robinson looks set to retain his starting spot after his double strike against the Robins, whilst strike partner Tom Barkuizen’s goal on Tuesday night means that the 23-year-old now has six goals in as many games.

Here is our predicted line-up for both Leeds United and Preston North End, in full: