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Leeds United formation change could see Hernandez and Saiz in starting XI

Samuel Saiz of Leeds United scores the second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United at ...
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The Spanish pair are very similar players, but switching to three at the back could see Leeds squeeze them both in.

Leeds player Samuel Saiz (21) is held back by team mates after being red carded during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Newport County and Leeds United at Rodney Parade on...Leeds player Samuel Saiz (21) is held back by team mates after being red carded

Leeds United fans are getting excited about the imminent return to action of playmaker Samuel Saiz. He has been out with suspension after disgracing himself by spitting at Newport County’s Robbie Willmott in the shock FA Cup exit.

The Spanish attacker has been a star for Leeds this season and a fan favourite. However, one problem Leeds have had is fitting both him and his compatriot Pablo Hernandez into the first-team XI.

The pair are considered the most naturally talented players in the Leeds team and getting them both in the first-team could be vital to lifting their recent form.

Pablo Hernandez of Leeds United celebrates after scoring he opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Middlesbrough at Elland Road on November 19, 2017 in...Pablo Hernandez of Leeds United celebrates after scoring

But is there one formation, which could see Leeds fit both players into the starting XI?

Leeds should consider going to 3-6-1.

Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper, Matthew Pennington, Gaetano Berardi, Laurens De Bock and Vurnon Anita are all capable of playing in a back three for Leeds.

Stuart Dallas has proved himself capable defensively recently and could be a brilliant wing-back, Ezgjan Alioski started his career as a left-back and could work as a wing-back.

Two players from Adam Forshaw, Kalvin Phillips, Ronaldo Vieira and Eunan O’Kane would then operate in the centre of midfield.

Samuel Saiz of Leeds United scores the second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United at City Ground on August 26, 2017 in...Samuel Saiz of Leeds United scores

It would leave Pierre-Michel Lasogga up top, with the creative sparks of both Hernandez and Saiz behind him.

Even if Leeds feel pairing the two of them could be detrimental, the same system could work with Kemar Roofe in the same role or up front with Lasogga.

Three at the back has become the popular choice in world football at the moment and if Leeds adopt it, they might manage to get arguably their two best attacking threats into the starting XI.