Two senior players axed in two changes – Leeds United confirmed XI v Tottenham
Marcelo Bielsa has named his Leeds United side to face Tottenham Hotspur with three points absolutely vital in their bid for Premier League survival.
The Whites come off the back of a 6-0 hammering at the hands of Liverpool but Spurs are not much better off having lost away at Leeds’ fellow relegation strugglers Burnley in midweek.
Bielsa has made two changes to the side that were humiliated at Anfield as he brings Robin Koch back in place of Maetuesz Klich and Diego Llorente for Rodrigo.
The starting XI was confirmed on Twitter and is: Illan Meslier; Stuart Dallas; Luke Ayling; Pascal Struijk; Junior Firpo; Robin Koch; Adam Forshaw; Diego Llorente; Raphinha; Jack Harrison; Dan James.
El Sackico?
We might have coined a phrase familiar to anyone who has struggled on Football Manager in recent years but it could really be the case today.
Bielsa is coming under increased pressure having overseen the Whites’ slump down the Premier League to 15th while the other relegation candidates keep picking up points.
Antonio Conte isn’t necessarily at risk of being sacked having only joined in November but his growing frustrations in North London might see him quit if he doesn’t get what he wants.
Neither manager nor their fans are particularly happy with how their team are performing right now which makes this game a huge chance to start the turnaround.
As always, Leeds United will start fast and hope to put the game beyond Spurs before they can even get going but knowing Conte, he has a cunning plan to overcome the constantly-running Whites and Bielsa has to start being smarter in-game.
We saw in midweek what happens when you stubbornly stick to something that isn’t working and if Spurs can figure out a way to break down the Leeds defence, it could be a very long afternoon.
In other Leeds United news, Martin Keown has torn into Bielsa and his tactical after the midweek horror show on Merseyside.