TC's Defensive Headache

Leeds United go into Saturdays match with a near full strength squad, including a fully fit defensive outfit.

This means that Thomas Christiansen must decide which is his preferred centre back partnership along with the harder decision on who plays at full back for the Whites.

Centre back trio Matthew Pennington, Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper are all in contention for Saturday's game at home to Reading and have all put in good shifts during this season.

Three top centre backs, one big choice

If Christiansen is to stick with his original pair then it is highly likely that it will be Jansson and Cooper who will take the field at Elland Road, with the pair being the preferred and only option during Pennington's spell out injured.

In that time Leeds were unbeaten and boated 5 clean sheets and the club seemed to be solid at the back along with potent upfront.

The next headache is the abundance of options for Leeds in the full back position.

With Luke Ayling being the preferred option at right back following his September Player of the Month award from the club, this leaves Christiansen three options for the left back position.

The trio of Gaetano Berardi, Vurnon Anita and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson are all vying for a starting position at the club and all have compelling arguments.

Berardi has been the stand out so far this season in the left back position but will he start?

Apart from his recent poor performance, CBJ started his Elland Road loan spell with plenty of rave reviews, having shown talent both defensively and pushing forward and supporting attacking moves. However, with the availability of his challengers it'll be unlikely to see him feature.

With the remaining two Gaetano Berardi seeks the most viable option with the player being one of last seasons last most valuable players not only in that position but within the squad. Whereas Vurnon Anita has shown he is capable of that position, his form has been up and down during his first season at the club.

Whether Christiansen is on the same wavelength or not, it is still nice to see Leeds have so many talented players within their squad that selecting a squad can become a headache.

By Ryan Ingham