Predicted Leeds United XI v Chelsea: Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter to lead line, Liam Cooper misses out
Javi Gracia suggested in his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea that Leeds United could deploy a two striker system as well.
Thus far, under the Spaniard, the Whites have played with a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 system which means that it will be a switch away from that.
His Watford side famously played in a 4-2-2-2 system and we will not be surprised if he sets his side up in a similar way against the Blues.
Gracia was coy when asked about Cooper’s situation which means that he could miss this game and Max Wober returning to the side.
He was signed as a left-back, but his versatility means that he can be deployed at centre-back and he has done well there.
Surprisingly, Junior Firpo is enjoying a good run of form so he will continue playing at left-back with Pascal Struijk unlikely to be fit in time.
The main change is the system is Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter leading the line after what Gracia said in his presser.
Rasmus Kristensen started the game against Fulham and so did Luke Ayling but we expect the latter to retain his spot in the team with Robin Koch coming in at centre-back.
We also see Crysnecio Summerville and Marc Roca to make way for Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison to give Leeds another option going forward.
With Chelsea not in the best of form, Gracia would want as many runners as he can get as they will be extremely vulnerable on the break.
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.
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