Phil Hay drops early Leeds United team news v Newcastle, Leo Hjelde start mooted
Phil Hay expects Leeds United to make a couple of changes for their Premier League clash against Newcastle.
A fan has suggested that Diego Llorente and Tyler Roberts may come back in, replacing Junior Firpo and Adam Forshaw.
Hay admitted that is close to the potential side named by Marcelo Bielsa, but he did moot a first Premier League start for Leo Hjelde.
Writing for the Athletic in his pre-match Q&A, Hay shared what he expected the starting XI to look like at Elland Road.
“I think this will be close to the team (with Koch alone in front of the defence) but part of me wonders if Hjelde will drop in at left-back to allow Dallas to play in the middle,” he wrote.
“Hjelde has been very good in his two appearances and looks like an U23 Bielsa can rely on.
“I’d be sorely tempted to go with Gelhardt up front but given the result a week ago and Bielsa’s appraisal of James’ performance, I reckon James will start at 9.”
Not needed.
In another big game that could see Leeds jump towards 11th in the Premier League, experience may be key.
Hjelde played well after coming on at West Ham, but to put him up against the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin may be unnecessary.
Stuart Dallas can drop back to left-back, with Robin Koch and Mateusz Klich filling those midfield roles.
Bielsa has two decisions to make, but with senior players returning, it shouldn’t hurt the side too much in the quest for another three points.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are set to table a sneaky £22million bid to secure major new January signing