Phil Hay shares if he expects Leeds United changes v Manchester City
Phil Hay has insisted that Marcelo Bielsa is likely to name an unchanged Leeds United starting XI against Manchester City this evening.
The Whites have limited options in their squad due to injuries, keeping more than five first-team players ruled out.
Leeds come into this one of the back of that brilliant performance at Chelsea, and will be hoping to go one better at The Etihad.
Writing for The Athletic in his pre-match discussion this morning, Hay shared what he expects from the teamsheet.
“Not much in the way of turnaround time from Chelsea,” he wrote. “It’s Manchester City away tonight and if anything, an even more difficult fixture than Saturday’s.
“We might well see an unchanged line-up for Leeds United at the Etihad – Marcelo Bielsa is still missing Patrick Bamford, Pascal Struijk, Rodrigo, Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Robin Koch.”
No changes?
It would be hard to argue against the fact that no-one deserves to be dropped out of the starting XI from Stamford Bridge.
Bielsa will be contemplating all of his options given that those who came off the bench also staked their claim for a start too this evening.
Joe Gelhardt scored his first Premier League with his first touch on the day, and he will be pushing to get another start.
With the number of problems currently at Elland Road, these big games are being approached with the sense of having nothing to lose – something that is clearly benefitting the Whites.
Gelhardt fits that category, so possibly we shall see if one change does happen afterall.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to make major January signings with unexpected deals to force action