Raphinha out, Bamford starts, Phillips on bench – Confirmed Leeds XI vs Wolves
Leeds have made one change to their starting lineup for their huge Premier League clash with Wolves at Molineux tonight.
The big news is Raphinha is out with illness, after rumours earlier today claimed he had tested positive for COVID-19. Jack Harrison starts in his place.
Patrick Bamford starts again, after being substituted at half-time of their dramatic win against Norwich last weekend.
Rodrigo is fit to start after being forced off in the win at Elland Road, while Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper return to the bench after being absent since December.
Confirmed Leeds XI v Wolves: Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Struijk, Dallas; Forshaw, Klich; James, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford.
Huge blow
After the impact and influence that Raphinha had against Norwich last week, him missing this game is a mighty blow for Leeds and Jesse Marsch.
He has been by far and away the club’s best player this season and proved last week that the club means a lot to him as he collapsed to the ground in tears at the final whistle.
A big bonus is having experienced first-teamers Phillips and Cooper back on the bench, which will be a huge boost for the squad and the manager if he needs to make changes during the game.
Bamford being back in from the start is also a positive having missed so much of this season, and the club will be leaning heavily on him for a goal threat, especially without the Brazilian in the side.
Leeds must be at their best to get anything from this game against a really good Wolves side, but there is belief in the squad and among the fans, so they can’t be ruled out.
In other Leeds news, ‘Worrying’ – Chris Sutton makes Leeds relegation prediction, shares ‘soft’ concern