Leeds United face Southampton away tonight, hoping to maintain their unbeaten run in the league that began with a 4-3 victory against Ipswich Town.
Leeds‘ next Championship test will be against Southampton, who, despite their poor form, still provide a serious challenge due to the individual quality they possess.
Leeds‘ four clean sheets in a row should hopefully become five with a similar level of performance, even if changes are in the works.
How is the defence faring?
As previously stated, the Whites have won four consecutive league clean sheets under Daniel Farke, despite making changes to the squad.
Luke Ayling, who plays on the right side of defence, was benched after the 0-0 draw at Hull City, where he received a 6/10 rating from the YEP:
“Had some difficulties with tricky customer Jaden, rallied in the second half and helped Leeds push forward but was wasteful in a good position.”
Will Ayling be reinstated?
Farke is unlikely to make many changes to the team that easily defeated Watford last Saturday, and Ayling might be the unfortunate man to miss out.
There was nothing wrong with the defensive quartet against the Hornets, with Illan Meslier‘s sole notable moment coming late in the game when he produced a superb reflex save to preserve his clean sheet.
Joe Rodon may, and perhaps should, be Farke’s one change in his back four at St Mary’s, but Shackleton had no problems on the right.
When Shackleton and Dan James looked rather incoherent at 0-0 last Sunday, it wasn’t the most visually appealing right-sided combo, but the chances came via effort, and that will be the case versus Southampton if those two play.
When it comes to 1v1, Southampton is not to be taken lightly.
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