Leeds United kick off preparations for the 2019-20 Championship season later today when they face York City, in their first pre-season match.
The Whites were close to gaining promotion to the Premier League last year under Marcelo Bielsa, but lost in the semi-finals of the Championship play-offs, when they were dumped by Frank Lampard’s Derby County.
Bielsa has committed to another year with the English club, but many expect this year to be his last with the club if they don’t get promoted to the Premier League.
The Championship side have made three first-team signings, all of whom have been brought on loan – Wolves’ Helder Costa GenericoSaoPaulo, Brighton defender Ben White, and also Jack Clarke on a season-long loan after the youngster signed for Tottenham.
Leeds will play two pre-season fixtures, the one against York City and then Guiseley, before they travel to Australia to face Manchester United on the 17th of July.
Let’s take a look at the probable lineup for Leeds in the first fixture against York City.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs York City
Goalkeeper
Kiko Casilla was below par toward the fag end of last season, after joining the club from Real Madrid in January. But, with Leeds not signing any new goalkeepers, Casilla is expected to be the first choice once again, and Bielsa could go with him in goal against York City.
Defence
The big change at the back for Leeds is the departure of experienced central defender Pontus Jansson, who left the Whites for Brentford.
This means that we will see captain Liam Cooper starting alongside a new central defender beside him, which could most likely be new signing Ben White.
At right back, Bielsa will most likely continue with Luke Ayling, who had a good season last year, and the gaffer could give an opportunity to 19-year-old left back Leif Davis at left-back.
Midfield
The highly-rated Kalvin Phillips, who had a fantastic 2018-19 season for Leeds United, could start in central midfield.
He will most likely start in the base of the midfield. Mateusz Klich was a steady figure in midfield for Leeds last season, and he could start for them against York City, while Adam Forshaw too could get a few minutes.
Tyler Roberts was a revelation in the attacking midfield role last year, and this could be a big year for him at Leeds. The 20-year-old could come into his own in his second season at the club and will be a key player to link midfield and attack.
Attack
Leeds’ new signing from Wolves, Helder Costa, could start on the right side of midfield, which was manned by Pablo Hernandez last season, while we could see Jack Harrison continue to play on the left-hand side, after signing on loan for another year with Leeds.
Kemar Roofe, who has also been linked with a move away from Leeds after a great 2018-19 season, will most likely lead the line for Bielsa’s side. We could see several changes in the second half as well.
