Kalvin Phillips out: Predicted Leeds United starting XI v Chelsea

Assistant Editor AUTHORITY Senior editor responsible for daily news flow, sub-hub management, and maintaining editorial standards across the site network. FOCUS Editorial oversight, newsroom workflow, and verified reporting. THE BRIEF Former Leeds United correspondent Mark has risen through the ranks at Breaking Media Limited to manage the network’s daily output. He works between the reporters and the experts to ensure the data and the news are applied correctly to every story.

Published on:

07 Dec 2021, 3:40 am

Leeds United travel to Chelsea on Saturday looking to pick up an unlikely victory in the Premier League.

After failing to beat Brentford last time out (5th December), the Whites are six points ahead of the relegation zone as they begin their horror run of fixtures.

Marcelo Bielsa is preparing his squad for Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in consecutive games and that makes tough reading for anyone.

Illan Meslier will start at Stamford Bridge after losing his small clean-sheet run last time out with two poor goals to conceded.

Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo will continue in the full-back roles, with not many other options after new injuries.

Liam Cooper was the first of those, and he will miss out to be replaced by the returning Pascal Struijk who will partner Diego Llorente.

Kalvin Phillips also looks likely to miss out, meaning that Adam Forshaw may be forced to drop deeper in midfield.

That means Stuart Dallas will play in the heart of the side with Tyler Roberts dropping back into the playmaker role as his brilliant form continued.

Raphinha and Dan James will keep their spots and will likely be the main threats with their pace and flair on the counter-attack at Stamford Bridge.

Patrick Bamford will finish off the starting XI after he marked his return with the goal that sent Elland Road crazy against Brentford.

Here's how we expect the Whites to lineup at Stamford Bridge...

In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to make major January signings with unexpected deals to force action

Leeds United

Chelsea