Leeds United host bottom-placed Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday. The Whites will hope to kick on and compete for a top 10 spot following the international break. Marcelo Bielsa’s men won their last game before the break when they defeated Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage.
Leeds narrowly defeated the Blades in the reverse fixture, winning the game 1-0. The last time these two sides faced each other at Elland Road was in 2019 in the Championship, with the Whites winning 1-0 on that occasion too.
Let’s take a look at the possible Leeds United lineup for the game against Sheffield United.
Predicted Leeds United lineup vs Sheffield United (4-1-4-1)
Team News
Mateusz Klich may miss the tie against Sheffield United as he tested positive for COVID-19 during the international break. Bielsa said in his press conference that the club are following protocols.
There was no specific update on Patrick Bamford but the manager said that the ”group is healthy” and the player’s update over the international break points to him being fully fit after a calf issue in the last game.
Captain Liam Cooper, attacker Rodrigo, and attacking midfielder Pablo Hernandez will all be available for the match against the Blades. But Bielsa stated that Rodrigo and Hernandez may not be match-fit.
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier should continue in goal for the Whites against Sheffield United.
Defence
Defender Diego Llorente has featured at the back in the last few games and he should keep his place in the Leeds United lineup.
Liam Cooper could come into the side as the other centre-back, replacing young defender Pascal Struijk. Bielsa could retain his two full-backs, Ezgjan Alioski and Luke Ayling, at left-back and right-back, respectively.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips should start as the deepest-lying midfielder for Leeds against Sheffield United. Phillips featured in all three games for England during the international break and put in solid performances.
Mateusz Klich’s likely absence means that the versatile Stuart Dallas could slot into the middle of the park. Tyler Roberts could also retain his place in the Leeds United lineup, while Pablo Hernandez and Rodrigo could be options off the bench in that role.
Attack
Marcelo Bielsa may not change the front three of Patrick Bamford, Raphinha and Jack Harrison for the game against Sheffield United. Bamford and Raphinha were on the scoresheet in Leeds’ last game against Fulham. Helder Costa could be an option for Bielsa off the bench in one of the wide roles.
