LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03: Rodrigo Moreno of Leeds United celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road on October 03, 2020 in Leeds, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Pole looked uncomfortable in a holding midfield role last time around. Bielsa should reinstate him in his natural box-to-box position.
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.
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.
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.
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.