Jack Harrison and Junior Firpo to be axed, Brenden Aaronson to start – Leeds United predicted XI v Everton
Michael Skubala could be set to make some changes to his Leeds United lineup for their crunch relegation battle with Everton on Saturday (18 February).
The Whites have turned in two impressive performances against Manchester United since sacking Jesse Marsch (6 February) but picked up just one point from those games and currently sit above the relegation zone and their next opponents.
But as they travel to Merseyside for a mooted “six-pointer”, the interim boss must find a way to turn performances into positive results and points.
In goal Illan Meslier will continue between the sticks having continued to turn in positive performances despite the poor results, cementing himself as the number one stopper at the club by a firm distance.
In defence the team has performed well, with Luke Ayling’s experience and tenacity a key part of that at right-back. He should continue in the side, having wrestled his position back from Rasmus Kristensen.
January signing Max Wober has been an excellent addition so far but interestingly has been used at centre-back rather than left-back as had been expected. His partner Robin Koch has been one of the best performers this season in a white shirt and should partner him once again.
Junior Firpo came into the side against Manchester United and was decent, but Pascal Struijk is likely to return following concussion protocols and would be expected to come back into the side.
Skubala has already made it clear that he loves the midfield partnership of Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams together, so they should continue in the heart of midfield with Marc Roca more likely to take up a place on the bench.
In attack there are an abundance of options, but youngster Wilfried Gnonto is a shoe-in to start if he’s fit. The Italian international has been a revelation this season and looks the brightest spark whenever he’s on the pitch.
Crysencio Summerville returned to the side and shone once again too while on the right and should keep his spot in the side with Luis Sinisterra still out, but there is a change to make in the number ten role.
Jack Harrison has struggled to make a real impact, and that could open the door for Brenden Aaronson to come back into the side as a starter. Aaronson was a regular in the team under Marsch, starting the vast majority of games and being a favourite of his countryman’s.
Up front Rodrigo is still out injured, and Georginio Rutter has yet to make an impact since his club-record arrival from Hoffenheim so Patrick Bamford should start as the number nine once again.
Leeds predicted XI v Everton: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Wober, Struijk; McKennie, Adams; Summerville, Aaronson, Gnonto; Bamford
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