George Overhill

Sat 6 May 2023 14:02, UK

Sam Allardyce’s first Leeds United starting XI has been confirmed by the club for the trip tough prospect of an away meeting with Manchester City.

The new manager has made the decision to drop Illan Meslier for Joel Robles, while Robin Koch is also on the bench with Rasmus Kristensen playing at centre-back next to the returning Max Wober.

Adam Forshaw makes a first start in 2023 in a three man midfield with Marc Roca and Weston McKennie, while Willy Gnonto crucially starts.

Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo line up on either side of the back line ahead of Robles, and in front of the central midfield trio Jack Harrison is on the opposite flank from Gnonto with Patrick Bamford up front.

First up

He’s had only a short time with the Whites squad but if he has at least been able to instil some belief in the beleaguered players that will be a success of sorts this week.

Nobody really expects Allardyce to get anything at the Etihad so it is essentially a free hit, and if he had more games he might treat it that way, but with only four in total Leeds United have to take something if it is at all possible.

The form under Javi Gracia – one point from 15, 18 goals conceded – coupled with the form for City under Pep Guardiola – eight-straight league wins, 27 goals scored – make the risk of a thrashing considerable.

It isn’t a stretch to imagine the team wilting under the threat of that with Gracia still in the dug-out, so if Allardyce can successfully avoid such a demoralising outcome it will be a reasonable day’s work.

But if there is a real new-manager bounce that leaves the game open heading towards the final whistle then a massive upset could kickstart the survival bid once more.

The Whites go into the game still outside the bottom three, and all is not yet lost, so Andrea Radrizzani will be desperately hoping his final roll of the dice pays off.

In other Leeds United news, a 49ers takeover could still be backed by new money according to an update from Phil Hay.