Leeds United‘s second game of the 2019-20 Championship season ended in a draw against Nottingham Forest as Marcelo Bielsa’s men could not capitalise and put the game to bed despite dominating the stats.
The Whites have to now quickly turn their attention towards the League Cup as they face League 2 side Salford City in the first round of the competition.
The two teams will face off on Tuesday night at Peninsula Stadium, Salford’s home ground. Bielsa revealed in his pre-match press conference that the players who were on the bench for the draw against Nottingham Forest will play against Salford, while a few young players will be on the bench in the League Cup game.
Let’s take a look at the predicted Leeds United lineup for the game against Salford City on Tuesday night.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Salford City
Goalkeeper
Leeds United’s No. 1 goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, could sit out the game against Salford City, and summer signing Illan Meslier – who is on loan from Lorient – could start the game in goal.
Defence
In central defence, we could see Gaetano Berardi return to the side, and he could be partnered by 19-year-old central defender Pascal Struijk. Both full-backs for Leeds United against Salford City could also be 19-year-olds, with Robbie Gotts starting at right-back, and Leif Davis at left-back.
Ezgjan Alioski is another candidate for the left-back slot against Salford City. Luke Ayling is still not fit and will not be a part of the Leeds United squad as per Bielsa.
Midfield
In midfield, we could see the young duo of Jamie Shackleton and either Adam Forshaw or Mateusz Klich in midfield to start for Leeds against Salford City. Shackleton is a highly-rated youngster who could get some much-needed playing time against Salford City on Tuesday night.
Mateusz Bogusz, a 17-year-old who played and scored in pre-season games for Leeds, could start in the attacking midfield role.
Attack
New loan signing, Eddie Nketiah, who joined Leeds from Arsenal, could get a start and perhaps play 60 odd minutes for Leeds. He could be joined by another new signing, Helder Costa, in the wide right role, while Alioski could play on the left.
