Leeds United will make the trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday to take on Chelsea in the Premier League.
The Whites have been far too inconsistent this season and are 15th in the league table. After salvaging a point through a stoppage-time equaliser against Brentford last weekend, they will be keen to return to winning ways.
However, Bielsa and co. will be in for a stern test against Chelsea, who suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of London rivals West Ham before being held 3-3 by Zenit in their final Champions League group-stages fixture.
Leeds United Team News
Marcelo Bielsa has been dealt with big injury blows ahead of the trip to Chelsea. Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips both suffered hamstring injuries against Brentford and there are fears that the latter will be unavailable for the next two months after limping off in the second half.
Patrick Bamford, who marked his return from injury layoff with a goal in added time on Sunday, is a doubt now after injuring himself bizarrely in the goal celebrations against Brentford.
Meanwhile, Pascal Struijk is finishing his recovery work from a hip problem and could be available on Saturday.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Chelsea (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier is Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper and he continues to have the trust of the manager, even though he hasn’t been great since the start of the campaign. He keeps his place in the Leeds United lineup.
Defence
Liam Cooper sustaining an injury in the last game is a big blow, which should force Bielsa to change things in the Leeds backline. Luke Ayling and Diego Llorente will be a part of the three-man backline with Stuart Dallas replacing the injured Cooper.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Chelsea
Jamie Shackleton could be handed a rare start at right wing-back. Junior Firpo, who has had a disappointing debut season in English football so far, will keep his place at left wing-back in the Leeds United lineup.
Midfield
Leeds are sweating on Kalvin Phillips’ injury and with the England international apparently ruled out against Chelsea, Bielsa could go with Mateusz Klich to partner Adam Forshaw.
Both Klich and Forshaw will have a task cut out against a strong Chelsea side expected to dominate possession at Stamford Bridge. It’ll be interesting to watch how the Leeds’ midfield duo combat the challenges posed by the hosts.
Attack
Tyler Roberts netted in the 2-2 draw with Brentford, which should’ve given him a lot of confidence ahead of a packed fixture schedule. He’ll lead the Leeds attack, with Raphinha and Daniel James trying to cause problems with their pace and movement from either flank.
