Javi Gracia to axe Georginio Rutter already in three changes – Leeds United predicted XI v Brighton
Javi Gracia is predicted to make three changes to his starting line-up ahead of Leeds United versus Brighton at Elland Road on Saturday, 11 March.
Patrick Bamford missed Leeds’ 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last week but his setback wasn’t a serious one.
Gracia confirmed to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off at Stamford Bridge on 4 March that he expects the English striker to be fit to play against Brighton.
As a result, we predict that Bamford will replace £35.5million January signing Georginio Rutter after the 20-year-old’s lacklustre performance away at Chelsea in Bamford’s absence.
In a bid to make the midfield more solid against in-form Brighton, who have a wealth of talent in the centre of the park and in the attacking areas, we also expect Gracia to axe £24.7million summer signing Brenden Aaronson and name Marc Roca in the side.
Jack Harrison’s poor form continued at Chelsea so it’s predicted that Wilfried Gnonto will also return on the left wing in place of the ex-Manchester City winger.
Illan Meslier is predicted to start in goals behind an unchanged back-four of Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Max Wober and Junior Firpo.
USA internationals Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are expected to start in the middle of the park but without fellow American Aaronson, who could be replaced by Roca.
In the attack, Crysensio Summerville’s performance was one of few positives at Stamford Bridge last week so he’s expected to start on the right with Gnonto coming in for Harrison on the left.
Up front, we feel as though Bamford could replace Rutter if Gracia deems him fit enough as Leeds look to win for the first time against Brighton in the top flight since 1982.
In other Leeds United news, this player is in a race against time to save his career at Elland Road as Gracia adds to the mystery.
Be sure to follow MOT Leeds News on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest, breaking news from Elland Road.