MOT View: Bielsa forced into key change after injury – Predicted Leeds starting XI v QPR
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is going to be forced into making a key change on Saturday.
Stuart Dallas is likely to miss out on the game against QPR after picking up an injury in the closing stages of the 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday.
The good news is that his injury doesn’t look too bad and he shouldn’t be missing for long. [Athletic]
Pablo Hernandez made his return in the same game and he should come back into the starting XI for the first game since he broke down with injury in the opening minutes of the game against Fulham.
Kiko Casilla has been on a terrible run of form recently that’s seen him concede 76% of the shots on target he’s faced in the last six games.
However, he’s likely to retain his place in the side. This isn’t the time for Marcelo Bielsa to undermine his confidence, although all eyes will be on him on Saturday.
Barry Douglas should keep his place at left-back after the team was disrupted after he was subbed off for Gjanni Alioski on Saturday.
Liam Cooper, Ben White and Luke Ayling will be trying to get Leeds back to the team it was when it posted the best defensive figures in any of the four English leagues in the opening months of the season.
Up top, Patrick Bamford is still the only recognised striker option, with Leeds desperate to find a replacement for Eddie Nketiah.
They won’t sign anyone in time for Saturday now and it means that Bielsa is unlikely to have a striker option on the bench, with Ryan Edmondson not convincing him from the Under-23s.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay says attacker to arrive at Leeds tomorrow as club looks to seal first major Jan deal