Leeds United will host Wolves at Elland Road on Saturday in the Premier League, and they will hope to pick up a much-needed win.
The Whites have struggled this season, managing only one win so far and currently lie 17th in the league table. They were beaten 1-0 at Southampton in the last game that left them with just six points in eight games.
Marcelo Bielsa will hope to kick-start his team’s season on Saturday with a win over Wolves, who will be charged up after the 3-2 comeback victory over Midlands rivals Aston Villa last weekend.
Leeds United Team News
Kalvin Phillips missed out on last weekend’s defeat to Southampton, despite travelling with the squad. A persistent hip and calf problem saw him withdrawn from the England Qualifiers during the international break and there’s hope that he’ll be fit to face Wolves at Elland Road.
Luke Ayling has been pictured back out on the grass earlier this week after the defender had gone under the knife to repair a small knee problem picked up at Newcastle United in September. He remains unavailable, though.
Patrick Bamford and Junior Firpo are expected to miss out again for Leeds United. Robin Koch could return in late November but Raphinha’s availability following his late return from international duty last weekend should come as a welcome boost for Marcelo Bielsa.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Wolves (4-1-4-1)
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier has conceded 15 goals in eight games so far this season and while he cannot be fully blamed, the young French goalkeeper must improve. He should keep his place in the Leeds United lineup.
Defence
Leeds have the joint-third worst defensive record in the division, so they need to improve soon. Bielsa could change the shape on Saturday and revert to a back four that could see Jamie Shackleton and Stuart Dallas operate either side of Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente, with Luke Ayling not back yet.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Wolves
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips remains touch and go for this fixture, so Bielsa could start Pascal Struijk in the holding role. Mateusz Klich and Tyler Roberts will be important cogs in the engine room as they’ll look to link play between midfield and attack.
Attack
Raphinha’s return to the Leeds United lineup will be a big boost. The Brazilian is the X-factor player in Bielsa’s side and will look to mark his return with a big performance against an in-form Wolves.
The Leeds boss is likely to stick with Jack Harrison on the flanks, meaning Daniel James will drop to the bench. As Patrick Bamford is out injured, Rodrigo is an easy pick to lead the Whites attack on Saturday.
