Leeds United predicted XI v Wolves after Marcelo Bielsa injury update
Marcelo Bielsa is predicted to make just one change to the Leeds United starting line-up when Wolves visit Elland Road on Saturday.
In his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Bielsa confirmed to the media that Robin Koch, Junior Firpo, Luke Ayling, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford will all miss the upcoming Premier League showdown against Wolves.
However, Raphinha is available for selection once more after missing the defeat to Southampton last week and he’s expected to replace Daniel James, who may be axed to the bench following his unimpressive performance in the 1-0 loss at St Mary’s.
Bielsa’s team news means that he could name a similar team to the one that lost to Southampton, with the exception of Raphinha coming in for 23-year-old James on the right-hand side.
Illan Meslier is nailed on to start in goals behind a flexible back-three of Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk, who could also push forwards and play in the deep-lying midfield role.
Jamie Shackleton and Stuart Dallas are likely to start in the full-back roles.
Mateusz Klich could start in the middle of the park with Tyler Roberts ahead of him and Raphinha and Jack Harrison on the two wings. Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Paul Robinson said that he feels James is more likely to be axed than Harrison because the Wales international is still learning Bielsa’s tactical system.
With Bamford still out with an injury, Rodrigo is expected to spearhead the attack once more despite fans’ concerns about his form.
In other Leeds United news, Jeff Stelling has predicted Leeds’ clash against Wolves.