Leeds United vs. Ipswich Town preview: Can the Whites' run continue?

On Saturday, the Tractor Boys head to Elland Road to face an in-form Leeds side. The Whites will be looking to build on a recent inspired run of form, as they go in search of their fourth straight win; a stat not read since the 2009-10 season in League One.

Garry Monk elected to rest a handful of first team players for the win in the EFL Cup against Blackburn on Tuesday and will be happy to have seen the replacements get the job done. Monk, though, is keen to not let the recent results overshadow the importance of the next game.

We have to remain focused and do our best in every game. Tomorrow we face another big test against Ipswich. #MOT pic.twitter.com/1HvwVYjObS

— Garry Monk (@GarryMonk) September 23, 2016

For the visit of Ipswich, it is likely Monk will revert to his established XI.

Rob Green will likely return between the sticks, despite Marco Silvestri putting in a solid shift midweek. Pontus Jansson has reportedly fought off the illness that sidelined him on Tuesday, and looks likely to replace Liam Cooper.

Hadi Sacko, arguably Leeds' most influential player thus far this season, was given the night off completely against Blackburn after not being named in the matchday 18. The winger will be back in contention at the weekend.

Captain Liam Bridcutt is expected to be back in the selection frame as he returns from injury aswell.

Perhaps the biggest dilemma facing Monk when he makes his team selection, is who is going to lead the attacking line. United have won all three games since the gaffer decided to return to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Antonsson starting two of those three, Wood the other.

In the two games the Swede started, Wood replaced him and scored in both. However, despite the Kiwi's recent run of goals, Monk must decide whether Wood should remain as an impact sub, or re-establish him in the starting line-up.

Wood strangely seems to be more effective when coming off the bench and although Antonsson isn't hitting the net as often, he is still very much an effective outlet up front. It remains to be seen which of the two he will select, if not both. He must surely, though, keep the formation the same. Having two strikers means that we lose both a defensive midfielder and a creative influence in behind the front man.

The likes of Sacko and Pablo Hernandez are undoubtedly more effective when they have the licence to push on without having to worry about tracking back so much. The formation must remain if Leeds are to build on this run.

Head-to-Head

In the last five meetings between the two sides, Leeds have only won once. Alex Mowatt and Billy Sharp were on target when Leeds last beat Ipswich 2-1 at home in March 2015. The Tractor Boys did the double over the Whites last season, winning both by a one-goal margin.

Form

Leeds last five: LLWWW

Ipswich last five: DWLWD

Leeds United player to watch

With an impressive strike in the last league game against Cardiff, Pablo Hernandez will be looking to continue to show his class. Hernandez's signing late in the Summer excited a lot of fans, but hehas yet to really show what he is capable of.

Ipswich Town player to watch

Ipswich have been struggling for goals of late, scoring four goals in five games. Town lost a regular source of goals in Daryll Murphy when he was sold to Newcastle, with Freddie Sears now being relied on to hit the net for the Tractor Boys; he will be eager to show he is up to the task.

WHAT

Leeds United vs Ipswich Town

Football League Championship

WHERE

Elland Road, Leeds

LUTV, BBC Radio Leeds

WHEN

Saturday, September 23, 2016

7:00am PT / 10:00am ET / 3:00pm BT

WHO

Leeds United's predicted XI

Green; Ayling, Bartley, Jansson, Taylor; Bridcutt, O'Kane; Sacko, Hernandez, Dallas; Antonsson

Ipswich Town's predicted XI

Bialkowski; Chambers, Webster, Berra, Knusden; Skuse, Douglas; Ward, Sears, Grant; Pitman

ODDS

Leeds: 6/4

Draw: 11/5

Ipswich: 11/5

PREDICTION

This will be a tougher game than what Leeds have had recently, although I think the recent boost in confidence will be enough to see the Whites to that fourth straight win. 2-1 Leeds.