Leeds United return to Elland Road for the third outing of the new Premier League season this afternoon as they host Chelsea.
Both teams remain unbeaten on four points after their opening two matches, so we’re in for a good encounter in west Yorkshire and manager Jesse Marsch has plenty to think about with Patrick Bamford the big story heading into kickoff.
Leeds fans, what is your prediction for this afternoon’s game?
Just like last season, the England international is set for a stint on the sidelines after he picked up an injury during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Southampton, where the Whites threw away a two-goal lead.
With that in mind, here’s the XI we’re predicting today…
There could be just the one change for Marsch as he looks to cope in the absence of Bamford.
In goal, usual no.1 shot-stopper Illan Meslier is set to keep his place as are the back four in front of him, meaning Pascal Struijk continues at left-back with Junior Firpo also on the treatment table.
Robin Koch and Diego Llorente continue as the central defensive pair, with summer signing Rasmus Kristensen on the right.
Fellow arrivals Marc Roca and Tyler Adams have emerged as Marsch’s first-choice duo in the engine room, so they should remain, though it could be a position change for Brenden Aaronson as he moves into the central no.10 role.
That would push top goalscorer Rodrigo (three) further forward in a bid to cope without Bamford, whether that be as an actual striker or a false nine remains to be seen just yet.
Out wide, Jack Harrison could switch to the right flank, something the £15k-per-week “sensation” has done numerous times throughout his career and that opens up a spot on the left for Luis Sinisterra to make his full debut following his £21m arrival from Feyenoord this summer.
It means the likes of Joe Gelhardt and Daniel James will have to settle for a place on the bench.
AND in other news, Orta could seal “real coup” in Leeds swoop for 30-goal monster, he’s shades of Sadio Mane…
