Predicted Leeds starting XI: Bielsa to make just one change, 29-year-old dropped – originally posted on Sportslens.com
Leeds United will face Sheffield United in the Premier League clash on Saturday at Elland Road.
The Premier League returns this week, and Leeds are set to welcome a familiar face at Elland Road. Paul Heckingbottom, whose 16-month spell at Leeds ended in 2018, is now the caretaker boss at Sheffield following the departure of Chris Wilder.
Leeds have all-but assured their place in next season’s Premier League, but Bielsa will be aiming for more. A top-half finish should be their aim, and it is well within their reach.
In defence, Bielsa will welcome skipper Liam Cooper who is back in training after missing out on the last few games through illness.
Mateusz Klich is doubtful for this game as he is currently undergoing the Covid-19 protocol following his positive test while on Poland duty.
Leeds returned to winning ways after beating Fulham 2-1 in their last match before the international break. They are likely to keep the same team, with only Alioski, 29, making way for Cooper.
It would result in a change of formation. Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk are performing admirably well at the back, and Cooper is expected to join them to form a three-man defence.
Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas are likely to play as wing-backs, while Kalvin Phillips will be operating from the base of midfield.
Predicted Leeds starting line-up: Meslier, Ayling, Llorente, Cooper, Struijk, Dallas, Harrison, Phillips, Bamford, Roberts, Raphinha.
In other news, Arsenal are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Pedro Goncalves.