Leeds predicted XI v Man United: Illan Meslier starts, three debuts handed out
Leeds United are preparing to face Manchester United in their opening pre-season game of the summer.
The pair of bitter rivals will meet in Stockholm on Saturday (19 July), as the duo ramp up their preparations ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
The heavyweight clash will provide Daniel Farke with the first benchmark to assess his side following their promotion from the Championship last term, and it could have a crucial say on how the Whites conduct their transfer business for the remainder of the window.
Jaka Bijol is among four new faces to have joined Leeds’ ranks, and several of those will surely get the opportunity to impress with minutes against United.
Meslier recalled by Farke v Man United
Leeds are set to announce the signing of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle over the next few days, but with the deal still yet to be fully confirmed, Saturday’s game will surely come too soon for the midfielder to play any part.
With that in mind, Farke’s charges could take on a relatively similar look to the way they ended their promotion campaign.
The big call for the German boss surrounds Illan Meslier. The Frenchman lost his starting spot at a crucial stage of last season, which has prompted countless suggestions that he will be on his way out of Elland Road this summer.
However, with the Whites struggling to land a new ‘keeper, and Karl Darlow having not played Premier League football for over three seasons, Farke may have to prepare for the eventuality that Meslier could yet be his starting goalkeeper come 18 August.
In the defence, Whites fans could get their first look at Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson, who may line up alongside the stalwarts of Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle.
With Longstaff’s arrival not yet finalised, the midfield should take on a familiar look, with Ilia Gruev set to partner the impressive Ao Tanaka.
New arrival Lukas Nmecha may be preferred to Daniel James and Largie Ramazani on the left flank.
Farke needs to secure a replacement for Manor Solomon this summer, and this should give him an early idea as to whether the former Wolfsburg man is capable of stepping into his shoes.
Leeds predicted XI vs Man United: Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Tanaka, Gruev; Gnonto, Aaronson, Nmecha; Piroe
Farke needs an answer to several questions
Leeds have had a frustrating transfer window so far, and Farke will still be a long way off having the squad that he desires.
The Whites have been unable to address their goalkeeping situation, which leaves the boss in the awkward position of potentially having to turn back to a man that he axed a matter of months ago.
Longstaff’s imminent arrival will provide a welcome boost to the depth in midfield, but there will still be concerns at the top of the pitch.
Farke will want an alternative to Joel Piroe, ideally with more top-level experience, but as it stands, the Dutchman will surely remain as his first choice.
With Leeds’ return to Premier League action now just a month away, they still have plenty of work to do if they are to be ready to compete for survival.
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