Leeds United will travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Sunday, hoping to register their first win of the new Premier League season.
The Whites have endured a poor start to the 2021-22 campaign. They were beaten 5-1 by bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, and then drew 2-2 draw with Everton at Elland Road last weekend.
However, Marcelo Bielsa’s side head into Sunday’s clash with real momentum having beaten Crewe Alexandra 3-0 in the EFL Cup second round on Tuesday to book an encounter with Fulham in the next month.
Team News
Adam Forshaw made his Leeds United return against Crewe Alexandra after having waited almost two years for a first-team appearance due to hip and groin problems.
Diego Llorente also began his comeback from a recent injury by playing 45 minutes on Tuesday. Whether or not the Spanish defender will be available for selection against Burnley on Sunday isn’t clear yet.
Robin Koch has missed the games against Everton and Crewe Alexandra with a groin problem and remains doubtful.
Predicted Leeds United lineup vs Burnley (3-3-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier has had a tough start to the new Premier League season, conceding seven goals in Leeds’ opening two games. However, he kept a clean sheet against Crewe Alexandra, which should lift his spirits to some extent. He should keep his place in the Leeds United lineup.
Defence
Seven goals in the first two weeks of the new season isn’t a good reading at all for Bielsa and Leeds. So, the likely back three of Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper must tighten up their screws and be ready for a physical battle against Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Burnley
Midfield
Stuart Dallas’ versatility has always been a big boon for Bielsa and the north Irishman will keep his place in the team as a right-sided midfielder.
Junior Firpo is yet to fully adapt to the demands of Bielsa, but him completing the full game against Crewe Alexandra is positive news. He’ll start on the left with Kalvin Phillips, one of Leeds’ most important players, controlling the tempo of the game from his usual holding role.
Attack
Raphinha had a very lively game against Everton last weekend, scoring a fine equaliser in front of the Elland Road faithful.
The Brazilian will be key to opening up the tight Burnley defence. Mateusz Klich continues to impress with his tireless work rate and ability to pop in the box to score goals, while Jack Harrison’s brace in the 3-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra should give him a lot of confidence.
Leading Leeds United’s attack will be Patrick Bamford, who will be desperate to bag a goal against Burnley and open his account for the new season.
