Predicted Leeds United XI to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League

Leeds United suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at home against Leicester City in the Premier League last week as the Whites slipped down to 12th in the standings. 

Marcelo Bielsa’s side will be looking to get their campaign back on track when they make the trip to South London to face Crystal Palace on Saturday. Leeds have won 3 of their 7 opening league fixtures so far and will be in quest of their fourth win heading into the second international break of the season. 

Palace currently sit 13th in the standings, just behind Leeds on goal difference. Roy Hodgson’s side could be set for another tough test this weekend after losing 2-0 to Wolves last time around. 

Team News

The growing list of injuries continues to be a major cause of concern for Bielsa heading into the weekend trip to Selhurst Park. Rodrigo Moreno (Covid-19), Kalvin Phillips (shoulders), Gaetano Berardi (knee), Adam Forshaw (groin), and Diego Llorente (groin) are all ruled out. Raphinha is struggling with an ankle problem and remains doubtful to play a part on Saturday.

Predicted Leeds XI

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Illan Meslier (GK)

The young Frenchman wasn’t at fault for any of the goals scored by Leicester last week. Certainly deserves to retain his place between the sticks after making some good saves.

Luke Ayling (RB)

He didn’t contribute an awful lot at either end of the pitch in the previous game. Will be expected to do much better against Palace. 

Robin Koch (CB)

The German international has endured a tough start to life in the Premier League but Bielsa doesn’t have too many alternatives to rely upon.

Liam Cooper (CB)

The Whites skipper struggled to deal with the pace of Leicester’s attack last week. He will have his work cut out against Zaha and Townsend this weekend.

Stuart Dallas (LB)

The Northern Irish international was one of the few players to come away with some genuine credit from Leeds’ 4-1 home defeat against Leicester.

Pascal Struijk (CDM)

The Dutch youngster has been in and out of the side this season but Bielsa should hand him another opportunity to impress, with Phillips ruled out.

Mateusz Klich (CM)

The Pole looked uncomfortable in a holding midfield role last time around. Bielsa should reinstate him in his natural box-to-box position. 

Pablo Hernandez (CAM)

The veteran was unlucky not to have scored in the previous outing as his curling effort hit the crossbar. However, he showed a lot of promise with his link-up play and could be a key player for the Whites on Saturday.

Jack Harrison (LW)

The Man City loanee failed to make much of an impact last week but he has been among the standout performers for Leeds this season.

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Helder Costa (RW)

The former Wolves man has blown hot and cold so far and will be expected to put in a solid shift down the right against Palace this weekend.

Patrick Bamford (ST)

Leeds’ undisputed No.9 has been in sensational form this season with 6 goals in 7 games. They will need him to fire on all cylinders once again.