View: Big injury blow hits, Bielsa to axe 28yo in 2 major changes: Predicted Leeds XI v West Ham

Dave is a huge Leeds fan and ardent disciple of Bielsa ball. A career in print magazines that included editing PC Zone, launching PokerPlayer and redesigning The Big Issue has finally led Dave to writing about the love of his life, Leeds United. It’s been a tough 2020 but the single scariest moment was the first quarter of the game against Man City. Rodrigo will be the saviour this season.

Published on:

08 Dec 2020, 2:59 am

Leeds United kick off this week's Premier League fixtures as they welcome West Ham to Elland Road on Friday.

They'll be looking to get back on track after being derailed by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

And we think that's going to involve a big change, with Rodrigo coming back in for his first start in six games.

He was out with Covid-19 for two games and has only been used in a bit-part capacity since.

We think that changes on Friday. 28-year-old Gjanni Alioski was exposed defensively against Chelsea and Leeds just aren't the same going forward without either Pablo Hernandez or Rodrigo in their side.

Alioski drops to the bench for us and Rodrigo comes in, with Stuart Dallas moving to left-back.

There will be one other change, too, although this one has been forced.

Leeds were hit with a big injury blow when Robin Koch was forced off against Chelsea on Saturday and he's now been ruled out until next year after undergoing knee surgey.

That means that Diego Llorente will get his first start for the club after making his debut against Chelsea.

This is the starting XI we're expecting Bielsa to put out on Friday night...

In other Leeds United news, Leeds man confirms Marcelo Bielsa has been sending him Erling Haaland videos

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