Leeds United have made a slow start to their Premier League campaign, drawing twice and losing one of their opening three games of the competition. The Whites host Liverpool on Sunday, in what is going to be an exciting, end-to-end clash.
The two sides played out an entertaining 4-3 match at Anfield last season, with the hosts just edging it, while the return fixture at Elland Road ended 1-1.
The away side may come into this game as favourites considering Leeds’ poor start to the season.
Team News
Centre-back Robin Koch will miss the game through injury, while Raphinha is banned for the game after the Brazil FA’s request to FIFA about Brazil internationals from the Premier League not representing their country.
Left-back Junior Firpo and midfielder Mateusz Klich both missed the last game after testing positive for COVID-19. But, they could both return to the squad for this weekend’s game. New signing Daniel James could come into the squad for Sunday’s game.
Let’s take a look at the possible Leeds United lineup for the game against Liverpool.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Liverpool
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier, who had a good game against Burnley, should continue between the sticks for the Whites.
Defence
Manager Marcelo Bielsa played a three-man defence of Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente last time around, but could return to a four-man backline for the game against Liverpool.
Cooper and Llorente could start at the back, with Luke Ayling playing at right-back. Bielsa could start Stuart Dallas at left-back ahead of Junior Firpo as the Whites will be against an in-form right side of Liverpool featuring Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips, who started two of England’s three matches this international break, should start in the base of midfield in the Leeds United lineup.
Mateusz Klich has recovered from COVID-19 and should start ahead of Phillips in the Leeds midfield. Rodrigo could play alongside Klich, while Tyler Roberts is another option for Bielsa.
Attack
The big loss for Leeds ahead of the Liverpool fixture is that of star winger Raphinha. Some reports suggest that he could still somehow play for the Whites against Jürgen Klopp’s men. If he is not available, new signing Dan James – who was impressive for Wales – could replace him on the right.
Jack Harrison will likely keep his place on the left side of attack for Leeds against Liverpool. Patrick Bamford will lead the line for Leeds United in Sunday’s Premier League match.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Liverpool
