BBC pundit predicts Leeds starting XI v Sheff Weds, claims star man could be 'great replacement'

Leeds United have been boosted by the return to fitness of Pablo Hernandez and Jamie Shackleton for the game against Sheffield Wednesday.

Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that the duo will be available for the game at Elland Road on Saturday after both missed the busy Christmas period in the Championship.

That will give the Whites much more strength in depth, with the table-toppers having to name a number of academy graduates on the bench in recent weeks.

Asked to pick his starting 11 for the Yorkshire derby, Noel Whelan has predicted that Bielsa will go back to basics on Saturday.

"Obviously, Casilla is in goal," the BBC pundit said.

"Ayling at right-back, you've got Ben White and Cooper. I think I would go with Alioski, get him back on that left-hand side.

"Kalvin Phillips obviously. Klich and Dallas and then obviously Helder Costa, Harrison and then Patrick Bamford."

Whelan was then quizzed about the returning Hernandez and suggested the Spaniard may be best used off the bench.

"I think Hernandez would be a great replacement to come on, but I think you've got to give the opportunity to the boys that have been doing it over the Christmas period."

Bielsa usually likes his returning players to get minutes under their belt with the under-23s before returning to the first-team. Shackleton did just that on Sunday, but Hernandez hasn't had that chance as of yet.

Hernandez must be the exception though. The playmaker is integral to the Whites and will be able to make a massive difference whether he starts or comes off the bench against the Owls.

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