Nick Ware

Sat 7 August 2021 18:07, UK

Leeds United have named a strong side against Villarreal as they prepare to play their final match of pre-season tonight.

The friendly will be played behind closed doors at York City’s LNER Stadium, and it will pit the Whites against the reigning Europa League champions after the Spanish side defeated Manchester United on penalties in May.

After back-to-back losses against Ajax on Thursday, Bielsa will be looking for an improved showing on Saturday night, and that is reflected in his team that was named on the official Leeds United Twitter account prior to kick-off.

Illan Meslier starts in goal and he will have Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas in front of him, with Diego Llorente and Junior Firpo out of action through injury.

Pascal Struijk and Robin Koch have also been named in the side, and one of them will play in their natural central defensive position while the other is expected to take the place of Kalvin Phillips in midfield, who is on the bench. Rodrigo and Mateusz Klich also start in midfield.

Raphinha and Jack Harrison will flank Patrick Bamford in attack as they did for so much of last season.

Tough test

Ajax proved a formidable outfit earlier this week, and Villarreal will provide stern opposition once again here.

Under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery the Yellow Submarine have been a tough nut to crack for most teams, as the Whites’ first Premier League opponents next week, Manchester United, found out to their detriment.

Once again, the result is not vital – we’re not going to be dreading the 2021/22 campaign just because we’ve lost a few friendlies.

But it’s the perfect chance to deliver a big boost to fans before the start of the season, and send a message to our upcoming opponents that we are ready to start the official season on fire.

In other Leeds United news, Fabrizio Romano claims the Whites are set to issue a major announcement.