Marcelo Bielsa highlights Reading threats to Leeds United at Elland Road

ON GUARD: Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

Second-placed Leeds approach the contest sat 17 points and 13 places above the 15th-placed Royals who ended a run of seven league games without a victory in last weekend's 3-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.

Yet together with a continued FA Cup run, the Royals have only lost three of their last 18 in league and cup and Bielsa is particularly wary of the Royals midfield.

Former Chelsea youngster John Swift has already chipped in with nine assists this season - the division's joint third-best - with the 24-year-old also having netted four goals.

Reading's Liverpool loanee Ovie Ejaria also excelled on the left flank during last weekend's win at Hillsborough while Romanian international striker George Puscas has netted eight goals from 20 league starts and six appearances off the bench.

"They are a team with very good players, especially in the midfield," said Bielsa.

"They have one creative style of play. They have power in attack."