Leeds United predicted XI v Nottingham Forest as Jesse Marsch makes Weston McKennie call
Leeds United return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest after safely securing their passage through to the FA Cup fifth round.
The Whites will travel to the City Ground on 5 February in what is a must-win game for Jesse Marsch and his side against a relegation rival.
Robin Koch misses the game through suspension but the fixture could see Marsch hand out a Premier League debut to new January signing Weston McKennie.
Illan Meslier should start between the sticks for the Whites, the Frenchman is the team’s tried and tested gloves and no one is taking that position off him anytime soon.
Junior Firpo got the nod to start in the FA Cup against Accrington Stanley and managed to get on the scoresheet, nevertheless, Pascal Struijk will likely pip him to the left-back starting position against Forest.
Max Wober and Liam Cooper could line up in the heart of Marsch’s defence, Wober has been terrific since he joined from RB Salzburg earlier in the month and is already staking his claim to be a mainstay in this side.
Luke Ayling could replace Rasmus Kristensen at right-back, the veteran has looked rejuvenated in recent outings amidst rumours that his time at the club may be coming to an end.
Marsch could look to hand McKennie his full Leeds United debut after the maestro sealed his move from Juventus at the end of last week and will be hoping he can form a blossoming partnership with Tyler Adams, who should also start in the Forest clash.
Marc Roca could complete the midfield as part of a traditional 4-3-3 setup for Marsch, although, he’s had an up-and-down campaign so far.
Wilfried Gnonto should resume his position on the left side of the Leeds United attack, the youngster has made himself simply impossible to ignore in recent outings and is slowly becoming the Whites’ best-attacking threat.
Rodrigo could take up the position on the right-hand side of the Leeds United attack, his fine form this campaign also makes him a shoo-in for Marsch’s starting XI.
Patrick Bamford has returned to fitness and form in recent weeks and could get the chance to spearhead the Whites’ attack with Marsch always looking to give the Englishman a chance when possible, meaning Luis Sinisterra and Georginio Rutter will likely drop to the bench.
Predicted line up: Meslier, Ayling, Cooper, Wober, Struijk, Adams, Roca, McKennie, Gnonto, Bamford, Rodrigo.
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