Llorente starts, Klich on bench - Confirmed Leeds starting XI & team news v Newcastle

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Published on:

26 Jan 2021, 11:31 am

Leeds United have made three changes to their starting XI for the Premier League clash against Newcastle on Tuesday evening.

Marcelo Bielsa has decided to bring back Illan Meslier and Kalvin Phillips after both missed the Brighton game with separate issues.

Confirmed on Twitter prior to kick-off, the Whites have also handed Diego Llorente his first Premier League start after his recovery from injury.

📋 Three changes to the #LUFC XI, as Meslier, Llorente and Phillips start
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 26, 2021

Ignoring the absence of Robin Koch, this is Leeds basically at full strength.

It is the first time this season where the Whites can look forward to the next few months, and have most of their squad available in the Premier League.

For too long have we had put up with Luke Ayling playing in the heart of the defence, and we can finally see him return to his usual position at right-back.

He was exposed against Brighton last time out, and this break in the past week has allowed Bielsa to recharge his troops for these upcoming games.

After defeats against Spurs, Crawley and Brighton, Leeds are still looking for their first win since the New Year.

The Whites have never lost three league games in-a-row under Marcelo Bielsa and will be eager for that run to continue at St James' Park.

Three points would see Leeds establish their spot in 12th, and also get them within touching distance of Southampton in the top-half before their postponed clash is rearranged.

In other Leeds United news, Liam Cooper hits back at 'Nonsense' claims ahead of clash

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