Jesse Marsch to go strong, makes Daniel James call – Leeds United predicted XI v Southampton
Leeds United go looking for consecutive wins in the Premier League this weekend when they face Southampton, with Jesse Marsch having decisions to make.
The Whites are set to be without five first-team players for the game, but the first away game of the season is one they will feel confident of winning regardless.
But what should the starting lineup be, with two players set to return to contention after missing the opening weekend? This is the lineup that we expect Leeds to go with when they travel to St Mary’s.
In goal will be the young Frenchman Illan Meslier, who was named in Harry Redknapp’s team of the week for his performance against Wolves. Despite the arrival of Joel Robles, he is the number one and will start.
In defence it’s likely to be the same thing we saw last week too. Rasmus Kristensen had an impressive debut at right-back, while Robin Koch and Diego Llorente were good in the middle.
Liam Cooper could return to the side as he is expected to be available again, but it would be harsh to drop either of the centre backs. At left back, Pascal Struijk is likely to continue in the absence of Junior Firpo.
Marc Roca and Tyler Adams had pretty solid debuts in the Premier League as a partnership and should continue to make those central midfield spots their own, despite competition from Mateusz Klich. Adam Forshaw is still injured.
Further forward the team looked dangerous and performed well against Wolves, so Marsch has a big call to make with Daniel James available again following suspension on the opening day.
Brendan Aaronson shone on the right hand side and Jack Harrison continues to be a key player in the side on the left which should cement their places in the side.
That leaves the striker position for James, but with Patrick Bamford fully fit and Joe Gelhardt waiting for an opportunity to step in and make an impact the Welsh speedster is likely to be on the bench.
Rodrigo will look to continue his goalscoring form from the number ten position too, meaning Marsch is likely to name an unchanged side.
Predicted Leeds XI vs Southampton: Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Llorente, Strujik; Roca, Adams; Aaronson, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford
In other Leeds news, billionaire-owned club make move for Leeds target who wants Premier League move