Leeds United confirmed XI v Crystal Palace: 1 change as Kalvin Phillips starts over Robin Koch
Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United starting XI has been confirmed by the club for the Premier League trip to Crystal Palace tonight (25 April).
The American confirmed on Friday that star man Kalvin Phillips would finally start, having been carefully brought back after injury, although fellow midfielder Adam Forshaw was ruled out for the rest of the year with a fractured knee cap.
This is the first outing for the Whites in over two weeks since the 3-0 win over Watford on 9 April, with the Chelsea fixture in between rearranged.
Marsch has opted for as much continuity as possible, only making one change to bring in Kalvin Phillips for Robin Koch alongside Mateusz Klich.
Illan Meslier is behind Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente, with Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling either side.
Rodrigo, Raphinha and Jack Harrison line up behind Dan James in attack as Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood both have to sit on the bench.
Back on track
The previous game seems so long ago it is easy to forget that the club are still within touching distance of the relegation battle, especially with players going in holiday in the mean time.
Burnley’s resurgence after sacking Sean Dyche has suddenly put them just two points being United having played a game more.
Everton are two points further back but suffered a controversial and demoralising defeat at Anfield yesterday afternoon (24 April).
In those circumstances it is important that the team picks up where they left off before the fixture interruption.
Three wins and a draw in the last four games had lifted them out of the mire, but that momentum cannot be allowed to fizzle out.
Opponents Palace have been beaten twice in the league and knocked out of the FA Cup in the time since Leeds last played, so are not in good form.
But they possess enough threat to take advantage of any rustiness exhibited by Marsch’s men so they will need to be sharp from the off tonight.
In other Leeds United news, recent news shows a worrying attitude coming from the club over the possible exit for a fan favourite.