Predicted Leeds XI vs Everton: Bielsa to make just one change; 22-year-old dropped – originally posted on Sportslens.com
Leeds United will welcome Everton in front of fans at Elland Road on Saturday.
The Whites will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after suffering a humiliating 5-1 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford in their opening game last week.
Leeds made it way too easy for the Red Devils to dominate, especially in midfield, despite restoring parity after the break.
The one defeat will not make any difference to Leeds’ season, while it is also well-known that Marcelo Bielsa’s side will continue to play in the same way.
With Spanish defender Diego Llorente still not available, it’s time for Bielsa to ditch the plan of using Robin Koch in midfield.
Kalvin Phillips is set to return to the starting line-up, while Koch is expected to partner Liam Cooper at the back.
The return of Phillips will provide the extra defensive stability that Leeds lacked during their opening game against United.
Pascal Struijk, 22, will, unfortunately, make way but the Dutchman will get plenty of chances throughout the season.
The presence of Phillips, a deep-lying defensive midfielder, will give Mateusz Klich more freedom to express himself, while the likes of Tyler Roberts and Rodrigo should battle it out for a place in the advanced midfield role.
Jack Harrison and Raphinha are expected to keep their positions, while Patrick Bamford will start as a lone striker.
Everton are heading into the side with loads of confidence after winning their opening game, and it expects to be a cracking contest.
Predicted Leeds starting line-up: Meslier, Ayling, Koch, Cooper, Dallas, Phillips, Klich, Rodrigo, Harrison, Raphinha, Bamford.
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Author:Saikat