Confirmed Leeds United starting XI v Blackburn Rovers
Leeds United will play their second pre-season game within the space of 24 hours against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night, after Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Guiseley.
However, while that victory in West Yorkshire was inspired by a host of Under-23 stars, managed by Mark Jackson, tonight’s team takes on a much more familiar look.
Marcelo Bielsa has named a very strong starting XI for the trip to Ewood Park, with star-studded duo Raphinha and Rodrigo on the teamsheet delivered by the official Leeds Twitter account.
Also named in the starting line-up are Illan Meslier, Robin Koch and Jack Harrison, while left-back Junio Firpo makes his Whites debut after signing from Barcelona earlier this month, but Patrick Bamford is not in the squad.
Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas and Tyler Roberts are joined on the bench by Tuesday night free-kick hero Sam Greenwood.
Upping the ante
Tuesday saw the start of a packed friendly fixture list, but tonight is when the Whites really begin to start their preparations for the start of the Premier League campaign in 17 days.
Crysencio Summerville, Sam Greenwood and Charlie Allen were goalscorers last night as the young stars, helped out by Adam Forshaw from the bench, overcame the National League North outfit.
Tonight, however, will see a marked improvement in quality of opposition with Tony Mowbray’s side containing the likes of Championship hot-shot Adam Armstrong, as well as ex-Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala.
The Lancashire club are further along in their pre-season preparations after already playing a couple of friendlies, and the result will be pretty meaningless, but the ever-focused Bielsa will still be looking for a high level of performance and for his players to translate what they’ve learned in training to a game scenario.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are in the hunt to sign an overseas centre-mid amid a recent transfer development.