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Cooper starts, 30y/o out of squad – confirmed Leeds starting XI v Fulham
Marcelo Bielsa has named his strongest possible Leeds United starting XI for the game against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.
Liam Cooper comes back in, as expected, after missing the last three games through injury.
Gaetano Berardi is the player to drop out.
Ben White is his partner in the centre of defence, which is good to see after some rumours were swirling round Twitter that he might be suffering from illness.
Patrick Bamford leads the line with Eddie Nketiah on the bench if needed.
Jamie Shackleton and Tyler Roberts are expected back next week but today’s game has come too soon for them.
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One surprise is 30-year-old Barry Douglas dropping out of the squad. There was no mention of him suffering from an injury in Thursday’s press conference.
The team news was announced on the official Leeds United Twitter page at 2pm, ahead of the 3pm kick-off.
📋 Marcelo makes one change to the #LUFC side which drew against Cardiff last week. Captain Liam Cooper returns in place of Gaetano Berardi
— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 21, 2019
Fulham desperately need a result to kick-start their season but this is one of the hardest games of the season for Scott Parker’s side.
Leeds are unbeaten in 11 games and looking to go back to the top of the Championship with a win.
West Brom host Brentford in a 3pm kick-off.
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