Leeds United need to be at their best to defeat Middlesbrough this weekend.
This weekend Leeds United return to domestic action knowing a victory is vital to stem the tide of defeats that has engulfed Elland Road in recent weeks.
To do that they will need to get the better of one of the tightest defences in the Championship, with Middlesbrough conceding only 13 goals to date – the joint best alongside Cardiff City – and it may take a bold move on the part of Leeds to ensure they get back on track.
Many expected Ben Gibson to leave Boro back in the summer, but he remains at the club and has been in imperious form for much of the campaign.
Starting a single striker will play straight into Garry Monk’s hands but, if Leeds want to cause their former boss problems, they should play both Pierre-Michel Lasogga and the recently returned Caleb Ekuban.
The latter has missed the vast majority of the campaign due to injury. However he is now back in full training and his work rate and determination could ensure Gibson is given the runaround, allowing Lasogga more space than he would otherwise be afforded.
It would be a bold move from Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen, yet the Whites are at home and they should be taking the game to opponents, keeping them on the back foot throughout.
Few would be expecting Ekuban to start this match, but the best managers often earn their money making the boldest decisions and two up front, with Samu Saiz behind, could ensure Leeds have the last laugh against the man who left them in the lurch earlier this year.
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