'Horrible sinking feeling that's the end for him' – Some Leeds fans react to worrying team news

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:

07 Nov 2020, 8:42 am

Marcelo Bielsa has announced his Leeds United starting XI for the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this afternoon.

And it's bad news for Leeds fans, with both Pablo Hernandez and Jamie Shackleton out.

Kalvin Phillips, Diego Llorente and Rodrigo are all sidelined, too.

Pascal Struijk comes into the holding midfield position, while Gjanni Alioski comes in for Hernandez.

It means Dallas could move up to midfield, with Alioski in the left-back spot.

The good news is that Raphinha has passed his late fitness test and is on the bench.

The team news was announced on the official Leeds United Twitter page ahead of the 3pm kick-off.

And it looks like some of the changes might have taken Leeds by surprise, with Struijk listed in the starting XI and on the bench in the original tweet.

📋 Your #LUFC Starting XI...
— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 7, 2020

Rumours were flying around this morning among fans about Shackleton, Hernandez and Ayling – two out of three have sadly proved to be true.

Leeds are really suffering, with the holding midfield position and both key number 10s sidelined.

It's going to mean a much-changed line-up and we're fascinated to see how Bielsa lines his XI up.

Meanwhile, there are lots of fans who are worried that this could be the beginning of the end for Hernandez, who is really struggling for fitness.

However, he also threw a strop and ripped his black armband off after being subbed off in the last game. It's possible that's why he's been dropped.

Here are the best reactions from worried fans...

No mention of why Pablo is is out, I'm getting this horrible sinking feeling that's the end of him, I hope to god I'm wrong.
— Marc Donald (@MrMinch23) November 7, 2020

Got a feeling pablo injured again just goes to show this squad fine in the championship in the premier league woefully short of depth
— stephen (@banditsteve123) November 7, 2020

Pablo been dropped? Bit bad, maybe it’s discipline from the Leicester game, but not good to see him miss out either! 😳
— Manny (@Manny_S_H_1989) November 7, 2020

Brilliant raphinaha back but no Pablo or shack,this team is so injury prone it's unreal
— Razz💙💛🏆 (@russcausier) November 7, 2020

That bench is so weak if you sat on it it would collapse.
— Bijol Endall (@acupofcoldsick) November 7, 2020

Where is Hernandez? I still dont understand why under 23 lads not in bench as alternative options.
— Irish DUB 🇮🇪 (@waxydargle) November 7, 2020

As Shackleton isn't on the bench I would have to assume that's an injury. Jenkins has been excellent in the 23s but I would shocked if it is just down to that. #lufc #MOT https://t.co/9ox1ejY3xl
— Through It All Together (@ThruItAllLUFC) November 7, 2020

Hernandez is quickly becoming the Spanish Forshaw #LUFC
— Bijol Endall (@acupofcoldsick) November 7, 2020

One fan was more upbeat and said that despite six players being out, Leeds still look okay.

6 players missing and we still look okay, albeit a slightly inexperienced bench...we can get a point here!!
— Anthony Kerry (@bagpuss1809) November 7, 2020

There's more bad news for Leeds fans too. They have got to suffer one of the last PPV games this afternoon, with the game being shown live on BT Sport Box Office.

All Premier League games are moving back to free-to-air following the international break after the £14.95 price point proved too controversial.

In other Leeds United news, 'Crazy', 'Bizarre' – These Leeds fans react to Phil Hay post about Leeds & Sky Sports

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