Eddie Gray believes that Leeds United manager Thomas Christiansen will axe Pontus Jansson from his team on Friday night against Sheffield United.
The 26-year-old is considered a key player at Elland Road and agreed a new long-term contract with the Whites on Thursday.
However, the powerhouse defender is going through a turbulent time right now and was axed for the last league match, which was an impressive 3-0 win over Bristol City.
The Sweden international was restored in mid-week and was unable to prevent his side losing 3-1 at Leicester in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Leeds now turn their attention to a crucial Championship fixture at home to Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United on Friday.
The Whites are currently fourth in the league standings and four points adrift of third-placed Sheffield United.
Gray is expecting centre-back Jansson to be axed from the starting XI against the Blaeds, with the duo of Liam Cooper and Matthew Pennington to retain their spots from the team that beat Bristol City.
“I know Pontus Jansson is a big player for us, but I’ve got the feeling that he will keep with the two centre-backs (Cooper and Pennington) against Sheffield United,” Gray told LUTV.
OPINION
Jansson is regarded as a key player in the Leeds squad and was named in the Championship team of the season last year. However, he is currently lacking a bit of confidence and doesn’t look like the commanding centre-back that usually bullies striker. He will recapture his top form in the near future, but for now will need to be patient as Cooper and Pennington impress. It is imperative that Leeds get a decent result on Friday night to make sure they don’t get cut adrift in the race for automatic promotion and could lay down a big marker with a win.