Struijk to be axed – Leeds United predicted line-up v Wolves after Jesse Marsch update
Jesse March is predicted to make just one change to his Leeds United starting line-up ahead of their clash with Wolves at Molineux on Friday night.
Speaking to the media on 17 March, Marsch confirmed that Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips are in contention to return to the side after lengthy injury spells while the Leeds manager also cast doubt upon Joe Gelhardt’s availability to play Wolves due to a back injury.
As quoted by LeedsLive, Marsch said he’s “not certain” about the 19-year-old being available after his winner against Norwich last week.
As a result, we expect Patrick Bamford to remain in the starting striker spot after he was substituted off at half-time in the win over Norwich while the only change might be for Robin Koch to come in for Pascal Struijk in the defence.
Illan Meslier is expected to keep his place in goals behind a back-four of Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Koch and Stuart Dallas.
Junior Firpo has been ruled out for up to five weeks with a knee injury while Struijk, who was a favourite of Marcelo Bielsa before he was sacked, could be axed and Koch might replace him.
Struijk’s form has been a worry as of late with the 22-year-old enduring a torrid performance against Aston Villa last week.
Koch’s experience and the fact that he’s no longer needed in the midfield might mean the German moves into the back for.
As for the midfield, we predict that to be unchanged with Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw, who played so well against Norwich, in there.
Raphinha, Rodrigo and Daniel James could make up the attacking midfield and wide positions while we expect Bamford to spearhead the attack once more from the off.
In other Leeds United news, here’s Gary Lineker’s instant reaction to Gelhardt’s stunning winner against Norwich.