Leeds United stars could return as journalist predicts starting line-up for Burnley
LeedsLive reporter Joe Donnohue has predicted how Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa will line up his team in Sunday’s clash against Burnley at Elland Road.
The Reach journalist laid out his prediction on LeedsLive, noting the returns of key players and stating how vital this could be to the result of the game.
Donnohue noted that Bielsa had announced the return of numerous key players in yesterday’s press conference. Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Jack Harrison, Junior Firpo and Daniel James were all names the Leeds boss confirmed to be available for selection in this game.
Donnohue predicted a 3-3-1-3 to counteract Burnley’s rigid 4-4-2 formation. Here is the reporter’s predicted line-up in full: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Llorente; Dallas, Forshaw, Firpo; Roberts; Raphinha, Harrison, James
January optimism
Bielsa will be incredibly happy with the state of his squad going into this fixture, especially considering the injury, COVID and suspension issues that have ravaged his side for a long while now.
The return of key men in defence, namely Diego Llorente and Robin Koch, plus the comeback of suspended full-back Junior Firpo will be great options for Bielsa ahead of this game and, personally, I would urge him to start all three since he confirmed they are fit.
The pace of Daniel James and the creativity of Raphinha at the other end of the pitch could be enough to break through a sturdy Burnley backline in this tie.
The Elland Road faithful will be champing at the bit to see these players return to the fold after a grim ending to 2021 which saw Leeds concede 11 across what were to be their final two games of the season. COVID cancellations followed to add insult to injury for the Yorkshire titans.
But Bielsa will be hopeful going into this match that he can deal a hammer blow to Sean Dyche’s relegation-threatened side.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports journalist predicts the outcome of Leeds United v Burnley.