Leeds United's Argentinian head coach Marcelo Bielsa gestures on the touchline 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 Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Leeds United take on West Ham in a Friday night kickoff in the Premier League. The Whites are in a bit of a rut as they have only won one of their last 5 games. They got swatted aside by Chelsea in their last encounter despite an early lead.
The Hammers, on the other hand, have fared a bit better and can count themselves a bit unlucky to lose against Manchester United in the last game. A cagey affair can be expected, with both teams going after those 3 points.
Marcelo Bielsa straight up went ahead and announced his starting XI in his press conference (source – Football.london). With only two injured players in the form of Diego Llorente and Robin Koch, the lineup mentioned by him is as follows.
The young shot-stopper has come under a bit of scrutiny in recent games, with calls for a more experienced presence. Nonetheless, he continues for now.
The versatile man just has to keep switching from defence to midfield and vice-versa. Nonetheless, he does keep adjusting well to those transitions.
A much better performance will be expected from the veteran captain after a few bad games.
Ayling will partner Cooper in central defence as stated by Bielsa.
With Ayling having to shift to a more central role, Alioski continues at left-back.
The star man will be vital to Leeds’ fortunes in this game. Needs to be at his imperious best.
Another important player for the team with his endless bags of energy. Winning his midfield battle with the opposite number will be vital.
Will be involved in a creative role as he will come in for Diego Llorente, as stated by Bielsa.
The speedy winger will be vital to Leeds’ progression on the wings.
The new man will be hoping to continue in place of Helder Costa.
Seems like Patrick Bamford just keeps scoring and scoring. Should face a sturdy test versus West Ham’s tight-knit defence.