[Image] Predicted 4-1-4-1 Leeds XI to face Man United – Can the Whites seal a derby win?

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4 years ago

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa (Getty Images)

Predicted Leeds United XI to face Manchester United in the Premier League

Leeds United visit the home of fierce rivals Manchester United during the weekend. The Whites reignite this rivalry after more than a decade. They got back to winning ways against Newcastle as they shipped five past their opponents.

It won’t be any easy for the visitors though, as Manchester United are perhaps playing some of their best football. Nonetheless, Leeds can take heart from the fact that the game is at Old Trafford and Manchester United haven’t done well there this season.

Team News

While Bielsa didn’t exactly go ahead and announce the line-up like the West Ham game, there do remain some injury problems. Robin Koch is out for the long-term while Diego Llorente should return soon. The other long-term absentee is Gaetano Berardi and he isn’t going to feature anytime soon.

Illan Meslier applauds the crowd after a game. (Getty Images)

Probable Leeds XI

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Illan Meslier (GK)

Two goals were shipped in by the youngster last game but he remains the team’s first choice for now.

Stuart Dallas (RB)

The versatile man just has to keep switching from defence to midfield and vice-versa. Nonetheless, he does keep adjusting well to those transitions. Will not have it easy against an in-form Marcus Rashford.

Liam Cooper (CB)

It should worry the captain that the team hasn’t kept a clean sheet in three matches despite a win in the last game.

Luke Ayling (CB)

Will have to continue in his central role in the absence of Robin Koch.

Leeds United’s English defender Luke Ayling beats the turf in frustration after misdirecting his cross during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on October 3, 2020. (Photo by JASON CAIRNDUFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Ezgjan Alioski(LB)

With Ayling having to shift to a more central role, Alioski continues at left-back.

Kalvin Phillips (CDM)

Likely to face a stern test in the form of a certain Bruno Fernandes. Win this midfield battle and Leeds could hold the edge.

Mateusz Klich (CM)

Another important player for the team with his endless bags of energy. Winning his midfield battle with the opposite number will be vital.

Rodrigo Moreno (CM)

Still being played in a much more withdrawn position rather than his usual centre-forward role.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Rodrigo Moreno of Leeds United celebrates with teammates Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford and Ezgjan Alioski after scoring their team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road on December 16, 2020 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Rui Vieira – Pool/Getty Images)