Expectations will once again be huge when Leeds United turn up for their first game this Sunday. The Whites will be taking on Stoke City, a side who are favourites to occupy the playoff spots after their relegation to the Championship a few months ago.
Regardless of how Leeds fared the season before, a new season usually makes the fans believe that their side can challenge for promotion. This season, Marcelo Bielsa’s addition has only heightened the belief.
The Argentine manager comes with a lot of pedigree and experience and the first thing he did after his arrival was study Leeds’ games last season, yes, all 51 of them. Bielsa is coach known for his gung-ho approach on the pitch and the fans will be in for a pretty bumpy ride.
Leeds had a pretty decent pre-season as they lost just once and won their final two games against Guiseley and Las Palmas.
The clash against Stoke will be a tough opener. However, it’s an early tester that someone like Bielsa won’t mind as he’ll want to see just how much his players have absorbed during pre-season training.
So, let’s jump right in a take a look at how the side might line up for the clash against Stoke City.
Predicted Leeds United lineup
Defence
Ah, yes, Bielsa and the 3-3-1-3. Quite a lot was said before the first pre-season game as to how Bielsa would implement the system in the Championship with the players he has and boy, he managed to answer those questions against Las Palmas.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell is likely to take his place in between the sticks. He’ll have to be on his toes as Leeds have signed Jamal Blackman as a number 2.
The three at the back could feature Kalvin Phillips as the central defender. His distribution will be key and he is no slouch when it comes to defending. Cooper and Berardi could complete the rest of the back three.
Midfield
Ronaldo Vieira’s departure to Sampdoria means Bielsa is likely to give Lewis Baker a start. Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling will play on either side of Baker and complete the three-man midfield.
Attack
Samu Saiz is expected to start as the false nine and the duo of Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski will provide the width. Patrick Bamford recently signed for the club, so we assume he won’t be integrated into the team slowly. Kemar Roofe could lead the line against Stoke.
Leeds United probable XI: Peacock-Farrell, Cooper, Phillips, Berardi; Baker, Dallas, Ayling; Saiz, Alioski, Hernandez, Roofe
