Thomas Christiansen has plenty to ponder ahead as Leeds prepare to face Sheffield United.
Although it is not a defensive crisis just yet, Thomas Christiansen must reshuffle his back line once again as Leeds United look to earn three points against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United on Friday evening.
Gaetano Berardi will serve the second of his three-match suspension against Chris Wilder’s Blades, after headbutting Bristol City’s Matty Taylor last Saturday and being barred from Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup clash against Leicester City.
However, Christiansen’s lack of options at left-back has worsened since Saturday’s 3-0 win over the Robins, with Manchester United loanee Cameron Borthwick-Jackson being ruled out with an ankle problem.
The former Wolves defender was substituted at half-time during the 3-1 loss to 2015-16 Premier League champions Leicester, and he will be unavailable for Friday’s showdown.
Holland international Vurnon Anita has played at left-back on occasion this season, but has done little to prove to Christiansen or the Leeds fans that he should become Berardi’s number-one back-up.
A three-man defence seems the only other option, with Liam Cooper, Matthew Pennington and Pontus Jansson combining to shut out the likes of Billy Sharp and Leon Clarke.
Wilder’s outfit have used a 3-5-2 system for the entirety of the season and matching that could prove beneficial come Friday evening, as the two sides lock horns at Elland Road.
Imitating the in-form Blades will be paramount in gaining three points. Sheffield United are already four points clear of Leeds in third, and losing at home would see Leeds fall by the wayside already – a win is a must.
Tactically, if Leeds can mirror Sheffield United man for man then it will make the Whites harder to break down. A three-man defence, then, will give Christiansen the best chance of avoiding defeat and continue to push Leeds towards the top.
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