MOT View: Rodrigo up top, 6 changes – Predicted Leeds XI v Crawley after big Bielsa reveal

Dave is a huge Leeds fan and ardent disciple of Bielsa ball. A career in print magazines that included editing PC Zone, launching PokerPlayer and redesigning The Big Issue has finally led Dave to writing about the love of his life, Leeds United. It’s been a tough 2020 but the single scariest moment was the first quarter of the game against Man City. Rodrigo will be the saviour this season.

Published on:

09 Jan 2021, 3:00 am

Marcelo Bielsa didn't go as far as naming his Leeds United side to play Crawley in the FA Cup on Sunday but in a big reveal on Friday he did say who wouldn't be playing.

He said that the squad wouldn't contain players who hadn't played before, so all hopes of Under-23s getting their debuts were dashed.

We still think there will be changes – six of them – as Bielsa rotates and gives a rest to some of his weary first-team players, such as Mateusz Klich.

However, it's going to be a strong line-up and one that should easily be good enough to dispatch Crawley.

We think the game gives Bielsa a chance to play Rodrigo up-front, with Patrick Bamford on the bench.

Helder Costa and Ian Poveda can handle the wings, with Jack Harrison and Raphinha to come on if needed.

Pablo Hernandez should take the number 10 spot alongside Jamie Shackleton.

Kalvin Phillips presents one of the easiest decisions. He's suspended for the Brighton game the week after so can play and still get a big rest.

Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling can go back to the full-back positions, with Liam Cooper fit alongside Pascal Struijk in the centre of defence.

Kiko Casilla will start unless there's any truth to the latest speculation that he might be off in January.

This is the side that should strike fear into the hearts of the Crawley players...

In other Leeds United news, Significant Rodrigo De Paul to Leeds development reported

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Marcelo Bielsa

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