Leeds’ predicted XI vs Chelsea


After falling to yet another poor result in London last week to West Ham, Leeds United welcome another one of the capital’s Premier League sides in Chelsea on early Saturday afternoon.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men are going through a bit of a sticky patch in terms of their form, with just one win in their previous five top-flight games.

A clash against Thomas Tuchel’s Blues, who are yet to lose under their new manager, is hardly the kind of easy game to get the Whites back on track, but it’s one they may feel they could play without pressure.

Predictions for Leeds vs Chelsea

Leeds win

Draw

Draw

Chelsea win

Chelsea win

The Leeds boss has also been boosted by the return to fitness of a couple of key players ahead of the game, and he may be tempted to make some changes to just freshen things up a little after the 2-0 defeat to the Hammers last time out.

With that in mind, below is a look at how Leeds might line up when Chelsea come to Elland Road.

leeds-predicted-lineup-chelsea

In goal, Illan Meslier will be hoping to keep his ninth Premier League clean sheet of the season, and the Frenchman could see one big change ahead of him in the back four.

If Stuart Dallas continues in central midfield, Gjanni Alioski could come in at left-back, with the 29-year-old having come on at half-time to good effect at the London Stadium – his total of three key passes was better than any Leeds player on the pitch, despite only playing half the game.

In midfield, the £45k-a-week earning Mateusz Klich’s half-time withdrawal has surely seen Bielsa run out of patience with him, and Rodrigo’s return to full fitness could see the Spaniard come into the starting line-up in his place – putting the summer signing so soon after his injury comeback would be a bold call, but it’s one which could just inject some fresh energy into the side.

Out wide, Helder Costa’s poor run of form in the last couple of weeks is deserving of being dropped, and that could open up a spot for Jack Harrison to reclaim his place in the team.

Predicted XI: Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Cooper, Alioski; Phillips, Raphinha, Dallas, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford.

Meanwhile, Leeds are facing a potential transfer mistake with this man…





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