Anthony Onifade

Thu 6 April 2023 7:10, UK

Javi Gracia is predicted to make three changes to his Leeds United starting line-up ahead of their crucial Premier League battle with Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday [9 March].

The Whites thankfully came out of their huge 2-1 win over relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night unscathed, but the Spaniard may be looking to make some changes after some unconvincing performances.

We predict Rodrigo to finally get a start after his return from an injury-lay off, replacing the struggling fan favourite Patrick Bamford who once again failed to impress against Forest, picking up the lowest rating of any of his teammates.

Rasmus Kristensen, who’s scored in two of his last two games, could come in to replace Luke Ayling at right-back as the Elland Road veteran once again struggled to impose himself defensively on Wednesday.

We also predict Italian wonderkid Wilfried Gnonto to be handed his first start since the 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 18 March, replacing the unconvincing Brenden Aaronson in attack.

Leeds United will be without our first-team players for Saturday’s game, according to injury expert, Ben Dinnery with Max Wober “ruled out” of the clash at Elland Road with the hamstring issue he sustained whilst on international duty with Austria.

Tyler Adams is also unavailable after surgery and will miss the clash against Roy Hodgson’s side and the remainder of the campaign. Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw also remain sidelined for the long term.

Illan Meslier is predicted to continue in goal behind a back-four of Kristensen, Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk and Junior Firpo.

Weston McKennie who was at his rampant and destructive best against Forest should keep his place to fill for his USA international teammate Adams, partnering with Marc Roca in midfield.

In the attack, Luis Sinisterra put in a match-winning performance after his tremendous first-half winner on Wednesday and will most likely be moved over to the right flank with Gnonto returning at left wing.

Jack Harrison could well be given a role at number 10 behind Rodrigo as Gracia looks to refresh his side for a Crystal Palace side buoyed by their own crucial first win of 2023 over Leicester City last weekend.

In other Leeds United news, a teenager now looks closer than ever to his debut after what he did at Thorp Arch during the international break with Javi Gracia taking note.

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