Eddie Gray has tipped Leeds United to make three changes to their side when they travel to Nottingham Forest on New Years Day after they slipped to a defeat against Birmingham.
The Whites lost 1-0 away to Birmingham on Saturday afternoon to end their good run of form, but they do still remain in the play-off positions.
Jacques Maghoma netted a late goal from close range to secure three points for the Blues and Thomas Christiansen’s side were unable to find their top form.
Leeds legend Gray has predicted that the trio of Samu Saiz, Eunan O’Kane and Ronaldo Vieira will all come into the starting XI against Forest if they are available.
Attacking midfielder Saiz was a second-half substitute against Birmingham as the manager urged on the sign of caution following a recent calf injury.
Meanwhile, central midfielder pair O’Kane and Vieira dropped out of the squad completely due to injuries and the manager will assess them ahead of Forest.
“I think if those two players [O’Kane and Vieira] are ready they will play on Monday and Saiz will play too,” Gray told LUTV.
OPINION
Leeds certainly missed the duo of O’Kane and Vieira in the middle of the park, who will be a massive boost if they are both available to return against Forest. Meanwhile, Saiz proved with his impact off the bench what a threat he can be in the final third and he simply must be involved in the starting XI to help unlock the Forest defence at Elland Road. Christiansen’s side should still be happy with their recent run of results despite a setback at St Andrews and the best thing for them is they can respond immediately in just two days time. They are involved in a real scrap for a top-six position and need to try open up a gap of the chasing teams.