Leeds United will host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Tuesday in the Premier League and both teams will aim to return to winning ways.
The Whites are 17th in the league table, just three points above the relegation zone. They have won just once in their last five league games and head into this fixture after a goalless draw with Brighton last time out.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace sit mid-table having lost 2-1 to Aston Villa this past weekend. Patrick Vieira’s side will hope to bounce back away from home.
Leeds United vs Crystal Palace—Team News
Leeds United
Leeds United trio Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Robin Koch are not expected to feature for the first team. Kalvin Phillips and Junior Firpo were hauled off at half-time against Brighton for tactical reasons, so they are unlikely to lose their place in the Leeds United lineup in midweek.
Illan Meslier will continue in goal for the Whites and aim to keep another clean sheet. There could be a reshuffle in personnel at the back, with Diego Llorente coming into centre-back after largely looking out of place at right-back against Brighton. The Spaniard will partner Liam Cooper in central defence, while Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas are expected to start at full-back positions.
Kalvin Phillips will return back to his natural position in central midfield after starting in central defence at the Amex Stadium. The England international will start alongside Mateusz Klich in the engine room and help the Whites control the tempo of the game.
Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison will all look to link up and create problems for the Crystal Palace backline. With Patrick Bamford still out injured, Bielsa will persist with the speedy Daniel James up top on Tuesday.
Crystal Palace
Joachim Andersen and James McArthur are almost certain to be absent for Crystal Palace’s trip to Elland Road. Right-back Nathan Ferguson is closing in on a return to action as he steps up his recovery from a string of injuries.
Vicente Guaita is the Eagles’ No.1 in goal, making him a definite starter at Leeds. The back four of Joel Ward, James Tomkins, Marc Guehi and Tyrick Mitchell are expected to retain their places in the Crystal Palace lineup.
Cheikhou Kouyate and Luka Milivojevic will protect the backline, whilst trying to quickly move the ball during transition of play. Conor Gallagher adds creativity and energy to the Palace attack, and being one of their best players this season, he is a certain starter against Leeds.
Eberechi Eze is pushing for the first league start of the season after coming on as a substitute in the 2-1 Aston Villa defeat. Wilfried Zaha can cause all kinds of problems to the shaky Leeds backline, and the speedy winger will look to link up with Eze and Christian Benteke up top.
Leeds United vs Crystal Palace—Predicted Lineups
Leeds United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Illan Meslier; Stuart Dallas, Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper, Junior Firpo; Kalvin Phillips, Mateusz Klich; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Jack Harrison; Daniel James
Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vicente Guaita; Joel Ward, James Tomkins, Marc Guehi, Tyrick Mitchell; Luka Milivojevic, Cheikhou Kouyate; Eberechi Eze, Conor Gallagher, Wilfried Zaha; Christian Benteke
Leeds United vs Crystal Palace—Key Players
Leeds United—Raphinha
Leeds’ most creative player, Raphinha has shown he can win matches on his own since arriving in England last year. The Brazilian can hurt the opposition at any moment in time, making him the biggest threat for the hosts.
Crystal Palace—Christian Benteke
Christian Benteke has repaid Vieira’s constant faith with four goals this season. With his strength, aerial prowess and heading ability, he can be a nightmare in the box for the Leeds defenders.
Prediction: Leeds United 2-2 Crystal Palace
