Leeds United head into Saturday's clash against Huddersfield Town at Elland Road in search of a return to winning ways, after an appalling defensive display at Nottingham Forest last time out saw them crash to an acrid 3-1 defeat at the City Ground.

Leeds United currently lie in a disappointing 21st position in the Sky Bet Championship table after a poor sequence of performances and results in August. Although the Whites enjoyed EFL Cup successes over Fleetwood (4-5 on penalties), and Luton Town (0-1) respectively, they suffered defeats in the league at the hands of QPR (3-0), and Birmingham (1-2), as well as the aforementioned result against Nottingham Forest. Garry Monk's side did manage to hold high-flying Fulham to a 1-1 stalemate at Elland Road in addition to securing a commendable 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, but inept defensive play has meant that United head into Saturday's game placed 21st in the table, and a whole nine points behind tomorrow's visitors, Huddersfield. Garry Monk and United will be looking for a return to winning ways and they will be desperate for victory amid speculation regarding Monk's future as head coach.

Huddersfield currently top the table with 13 points after the Terriers, coached by former Borussia Dortmund II manager David Wagner, enjoyed an undefeated August in the Championship. Although they fell at the first hurdle in the EFL Cup to lower league Shrewsbury Town (2-1), Huddersfield have four victories and one draw to their name in divisional matches. Notable successes include a 2-1 away win over Newcastle at St James' Park, and a 2-1 home victory over local rivals Barnsley at the John Smith's Stadium. Wagner and his charges will be hopeful of a positive result after they saw off the challenge of Walter Zenga's Wolves by way of a 1-0 home scoreline in their last outing.

Team News

Leeds - Cultured Ireland midfielder Eunan O'Kane could well appear for Leeds for the first time since moving to Elland Road from Bournemouth on deadline day. Swiss right-back Gaetano Berardi however, is still afflicted by the hamstring injury he sustained on the opening day of the season. Combative midfielder Liam Bridcutt is expected to start after being crowned club captain on Friday.

Huddersfield - Former Coventry City goalkeeper Joe Murphy is still recovering from a shoulder operation and will therefore be unavailable. Winger Joe Lolley is a doubt after sustaining a leg injury during the recent 1-1 draw away to Aston Villa. The Terriers are expected to be unchanged after beating Wolves last time out.

Probable Lineups

Leeds (4-4-2) - Green; Ayling, Bartley, Cooper, Taylor; Sacko, Bridcutt, O'Kane, Hernandez; Antonsson, Wood.

Huddersfield (4-2-3-1) - Ward; Smith, Hudson, Schindler, Löwe; Mooy, Hogg; Parra, Palmer, Kachunga; Wells.

Bridcutt "honoured" to received captaincy, O'Kane speaks after move

Liam Bridcutt has expressed his delight at being crowned club captain of Leeds United this Friday.

The former Brighton midfielder, who completed a permanent switch to Elland Road during the summer window after a successful loan spell with the Whites in 2015/16, takes the armband in the wake of Sol Bamba's departure by way of mutual consent.

It’s a real honour,” the Scotland international remarked.

“The manager has shown great faith in me by giving me the captaincy.

“It puts a little bit more pressure on me but that’s something I like.

"I’ve always been a player that’s thrived under pressure and I think that’s the way to get the best out of me.

“I was brought in as someone to add experience to the squad; someone to guide the younger players in the right direction and to play that commanding role on the pitch.

"It’s a job that I feel ready for.”

Meanwhile, Ireland international Eunan O'Kane spoke to LUTV for the first time after linking up with his new teammates at Thorp Arch during the week:

Match Facts

Leeds have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 10 matches against Huddersfield in all competitions.

Huddersfield are undefeated in their last five league matches.

There hasn't been a draw between the two teams since February 2010, when they were both competing in League One.

Key Players

Leeds United - Liam Bridcutt, Central Midfielder - (6.68 WhoScored rating)

As if he wasn't already an important enough cog of the Leeds United side, Liam Bridcutt has been handed further responsibility after being awarded the club captaincy on Friday. Garry Monk will be looking for the combative 27-year-old to be a commanding force in the middle of the park, and his expertise in breaking up attacks could prove crucial not just in Saturday's match, but also in the months to follow.

Huddersfield Town - Nahki Wells, Striker - (7.02 WhoScored rating)

Scorer of 17 Championship goals last season, 26-year-old Bermudan striker Nahki Wells has been an influential figure at Huddersfield since joining the club from rivals Bradford in January 2014. He scored on the last occasion United and Town met, netting the fourth in a 4-1 win for his team back in March, doing his bit to avenge the clinical, ruthless 3-0 defeat that Leeds inflicted on the Terriers back in November 2015.

Writer's View

Although we haven't had a particularly impressive start to the season, one can not rule out the possibility of us securing a much needed three points on Saturday. Of course, Huddersfield will be up for their cup final, but Garry Monk and the team have had a good international break and the appointment of Liam Bridcutt as club captain seems a wise decision. From what I've seen of Huddersfield thus far this campaign, although they have been impressive in midfield and attack, I still believe them to be suspect defensively. If played in the correct role, Pablo Hernandez's creative ability could put us in with a shout. The appointment of Liam Bridcutt as club captain is a sensible move and I think he'll excel in the role. His experience of this division, coupled with his tough-tackling style of play will make him a good skipper.

I do think that the game will finish in a draw, but of course, I'm hoping for a victory after the abhorrent showing at the City Ground. With that said, I wouldn't be too disheartened with a point given that bottom of the table Blackburn are our next opponents on Tuesday after Saturday's clash.

Prediction - Leeds United 2-2 Huddersfield Town

Photo: Action Images

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