Leeds United take on Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday evening, hoping to end their horrendous run of recent form in the Premier League.
The Peacocks have dropped to 18th in the table after a streak of eight games without a win. They are on a four-game losing run, including the 3-2 defeat to Fulham at Elland Road last weekend. Jesse Marsch has come under severe pressure in recent weeks and is fighting for his future after seeing his club plummet to the relegation zone.
The American manager will be desperate to bounce back to winning ways and knows his team must produce a top display to beat Liverpool at Anfield.
Leeds United Team News
Leeds United have been riddled with injuries and Jesse Marsch could be without as many as eight players for the trip to Liverpool.
Stuart Dallas (knee) and Adam Forshaw (ankle) are still out. In addition, Marsch has revealed that Leo Hjelde, Joe Gelhardt, Rodrigo, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams and Liam Cooper are all fresh doubts for the weekend’s game.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
In goal, Illan Meslier is a permanent fixture for Leeds United. The young Frenchman will need to be at his best to keep a clean sheet at Anfield.
Defence
Marsch could make changes to his backline after watching his side concede thrice to Fulham in the last game.
Rasmus Kristensen was a shock exclusion despite him playing so well, although the call taken by Marsch was perhaps down to fatigue rather than form. Kristensen should reclaim his spot at right-back in the Leeds United lineup, with Pascal Struijk operating from the left-back position.
If Liam Cooper isn’t fit enough to start, Diego Llorente should get the nod to deputise for him, featuring alongside Robin Koch in central defence in the Leeds United lineup.
Leeds’ back four, along with goalkeeper Meslier, will be required to be on their toes throughout the 90 minutes to keep the Liverpool attack at bay at Anfield.
Midfield
Tyler Adams would be a big miss again for Leeds if he does not recover from a calf problem against the Reds. Sam Greenwood failed to impress against Fulham, and if Adams misses out again, Marsch could turn to the experienced Mateusz Klich to form the double pivot with Marc Roca in the middle of the park in the Leeds United lineup.
Brendon Aaronson will have a huge role to play on Saturday. The American must look to pick up pockets of spaces in the centre of the pitch and try to hurt the Reds with his incisive passing and vision.
Attack
In Rodrigo and Joe Gelhardt’s potential absences, Patrick Bamford becomes the favourite to lead the Leeds’ attack.
Luis Sinisterra being doubtful should see Crysencio Summerville start on the right flank in the Leeds United lineup, with Jack Harrison hoping to enjoy a productive evening down the left in Merseyside.