Predicted Leeds United XI to face Everton in the Premier League
The Premier League is set to return to the fold with yet another round of intriguing midweek fixtures as Leeds United play host to Everton at Elland Road on Wednesday night.
The Whites will go into the game high on confidence after a 3-1 win over high-flying Leicester City at the weekend, thanks to goals from Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison. Leeds beat Everton 1-0 back in November and will be hopeful of coming away with all three points once again.
Meanwhile, the Toffees will be under pressure to get things back on track after a shock 2-0 loss to Newcastle United on Saturday. Leeds are currently placed 12th in the standings with 29 points, 4 points behind 8th-placed Everton, although Carlo Ancelotti’s side have a game in hand.
Team News
Leeds’ win against Leicester came at a hefty price as Patrick Bamford, Raphinha and Rodrigo Moreno all picked up minor niggles. It remains to be seen whether any of them is passed fit for the game against Everton. Apart from that, Diego Llorente (muscle), Adam Forshaw (groin) and Robin Koch (knee) are all ruled out.
Probable Leeds XI
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Illan Meslier (GK)
The young Frenchman hardly put a foot wrong in the last game and should comfortably retain his position as the first-choice shot-stopper.
Luke Ayling (RB)
The former Arsenal man has been among the standout performers for the Whites at the back throughout the campaign.
Liam Cooper (CB)
The skipper remains a key cog in Leeds’ backline and will have his work cut out against a potent Everton attack on Wednesday.
Pascal Struijk (CB)
The Dutchman put in arguably his best performance in a Leeds shirt in the last game. Bielsa should continue fielding him at centre-back, with Llorente and Kock both ruled out.
Ezgjan Alioski (LB)
The Macedonian has had his fair share of struggles in an unfamiliar left-back position in the Premier League but Leeds lack alternatives in that position.
Kalvin Phillips (CDM)
The England international has continued to impress as an undisputed starter at the base of Leeds’ midfield in his first season in the Premier League.
Helder Costa (RW)
The Portuguese star has found himself down the pecking order in recent months but could get a start against Everton if Raphinha fails to recover in time.
Jack Harrison (LW)
The Man City loanee will be high on confidence after scoring in each of his last two games in the Premier League.
Mateusz Klich (CM)
The experienced Pole came on as a substitute in the last game but is likely to start against the Toffees with Rodrigo out injured.
Stuart Dallas (CM)
The Northern Irish international put in an excellent shift at both ends of the pitch in the 3-1 win over Leicester. He has started each of Leeds’ 20 games in the PL so far and should be among the starters once again for the midweek fixture.
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Patrick Bamford (ST)
The former Chelsea man shone with a goal and an assist in the last game and will be expected to continue his good work up top.
