‘He will play’ – Exclusive: Paul Robinson predicts Leeds starting XI for clash v Cardiff
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson believes that Marcelo Bielsa will play his usual XI, with Illan Meslier in goal, as long as he’s got a full squad to choose from.
Leeds pick up their Championship campaign with a trip to Cardiff on Sunday, with a midday kick-off.
That’s not ideal but the positive news is that Bielsa has no injury concerns beyond Jean-Kevin Augustin at the moment.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said, “They’ll pick up where they left off.
“Meslier’s going to play and I know there’s a lot of good feeling around the club about him. He’s very highly rated at Elland Road. He will play.
“It’ll be a four at the back, with Kalvin Phillips ahead of them. Patrick Bamford will be up top.
“If he’s got a full squad you can bet your savings it will be the usual 11 for Bielsa.”
This is the starting XI that Robinson expects to see on Sunday.
Predicting the Leeds starting XI is generally one of the easier tasks that we have.
However, with players likely to be more susceptible to injury, Leeds’ squad depth could well be tested as we move through the remaining nine games.
Bielsa can use up to five subs in temporary changes in the EFL but we don’t expect him to use them unless Leeds are winning comfortably or struggling at the tail-end of the game.
In other Leeds United news, Sky Sports pundit: This is what every pundit is saying about Leeds ahead of clash v Cardiff