Jesse Marsch will begin life in the Leeds United hotseat with a tricky trip to Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
The American was appointed Leeds boss on Monday following Marcelo Bielsa’s sacking and has the unenviable task of steering the club out of the relegation battle they have been dragged into over the past few weeks.
The west Yorkshire club are currently in 16th place, two points clear of 18th-placed Burnley, who have a game in hand.
Their defence has been their biggest headache, having conceded at least four goals in each of their last three league games.
But Leeds will be buoyed by the fact that they beat Leicester 3-1 on their last trip to the King Power Stadium in January 2021.
Leeds United Team News
Leeds United will be without Liam Cooper, Leo Hjelde and Kalvin Phillips through injury. Patrick Bamford has returned to training, but might not be risked for this game.
Diego Llorente faces a race against time to prove his fitness after missing training on Thursday.
Predicted Leeds lineup vs Leicester City
Marsch initially employed a four-man defence at RB Leipzig before switching to a three-man backline and that’s the system he’s likely to play against Leicester City.
And while we do try to figure out the possible Leeds lineup for tomorrow, it is also somewhat clutching at straws given the tactical flexibility of the new manager who will take charge of his first game for a team riddled with injuries and going down a slippery slope.
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier will line up between the sticks for Leeds. The Frenchman has kept just three clean sheets this season, but that’s mainly due to the porous defence in front of him than any major shortcomings on his part.
Defenders
If Llorente is passed fit, he will start in central defence alongside Luke Ayling and Robin Koch. Leeds have conceded a league-high 60 goals this season and Marsch’s first task will be to stem the bleeding.
Junior Firpo has started each of Leeds’ last three league games and will start in the Leeds lineup. He is likely to be positioned at left wing-back if Marsch goes with this system.
Stuart Dallas has been used in multiple positions this season and considering Leeds’ lack of options, he could start at right wing-back in this game.
Midfielders
Adam Forshaw has become an integral part of the Leeds midfield this season and will likely start alongside Mateusz Klich, meaning Jamie Shackleton will have to settle for a spot on the bench.
Attackers
Raphinha is arguably Leeds’ most important player and will start on the right side of the attack in the Leeds lineup. The Brazilian is Leeds’ top-scorer in the league this season with nine strikes.
Jack Harrison could start on the left. The Englishman took the league by storm last season, but has failed to hit those same heights in the current campaign.
With Bamford unlikely to start, Dan James should lead the line once again for Marsch’s side. The former Manchester United winger can pose problems for the Leicester defence with his raw pace and clever movement.
