Leeds United will get their new Premier League campaign underway with a home test against Wolves on Saturday afternoon.
The Whites are aiming for a much-improved season after dramatically beating the drop on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign. Jesse Marsch’s side rounded up their preparations for the new campaign with a 6-2 friendly win over Italian side Cagliari last month.
After trips to Liverpool and Manchester United in the last two years, a home clash against Wolves should offer Leeds United some opening day relief, although Marsch and co. will avoid taking Bruno Lage’s side lightly at the weekend.
Jesse Marsch currently has over half the team on the treatment table with skipper Liam Cooper, new signing Luis Sinisterra and central midfielder Adam Forshaw all ruled out of Leeds United’s season opener.
In addition, Junior Firpo, Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas also remain out, while Daniel James serves the final game of a three-match ban. So, it will be interesting how Marsch’s team line up against Wolves at Elland Road.
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier is pencilled in to start the season as Leeds United’s first-choice goalkeeper. The young Frenchman will hope to begin new proceedings with a shutout at the weekend. Fit-again Kristoffer Klaesson will serve as his understudy.
Defence
With so many injuries on the defensive front to cope with, Marsch has limited options going into the first game. Ahead of Meslier, a back four of Pascal Struijk, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Rasmus Kristensen is expected to start against Bruno Lage’s side. The Whites’ backline will have to be at their best to keep a clean sheet.
Midfield
The Leeds boss is likely to hand new signings Tyler Adams and Marc Roca their competitive debuts in the double pivot. Adams will anchor the midfield alongside Roca as they try to dominate possession in the middle of the park.
Rodrigo will start in a slightly advanced role ahead of the double pivot. The Spanish international will look to use his creativity and link-up play to unlock a tight Wolves backline.
Attack
Jack Harrison will attack from the right-hand side, while star summer signing Brenden Aaronson is the obvious choice to replace Raphinha on the opposite flank. Summer signing Luis Sinisterra’s hamstring injury gives Aaronson the opportunity to impress and cement his place in the Leeds United lineup.
Skipper Patrick Bamford will be eager to make his mark after missing the majority of the last campaign with injuries. He will lead the line for the Whites against Wolves, as Marsch eyes all three points on the opening weekend of the 2022/23 campaign.
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