MOT View: Duo could return to bench after injury boost – Leeds predicted XI v Birmingham
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is unlikely to make any changes to his starting line-up ahead of his side’s meeting with Birmingham at St Andrew’s on Sunday.
Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton could return to the matchday squad for Leeds after both recovering from their respective injury issues but neither are predicted to start as Bielsa aims for consistency among his selection.
Leeds drew 1-1 with Preston in a sub-par home performance on Boxing Day but we are very much expecting the Argentine boss to stick with the same team.
It means that Kiko Casilla is likely to start in goals behind a back-four of Luke Ayling, Ben White, Liam Cooper and Ezgjan Alioski.
Kalvin Phillips could anchor the midfield with Mateusz Klich and Stuart Dallas ahead of him in the more advanced roles. Klich was the most attack-minded of the central midfielders on Boxing Day so that could be the case once more this weekend.
Helder Costa is expected to start on the right-wing with Jack Harrison on the left.
Patrick Bamford was substituted off just after an hour against Preston but is pretty much nailed on to keep his starting spot, despite the speculation surrounding Eddie Nketiah’s loan spell at Elland Road.
Bielsa has not let anyone govern his team selection in his time at Elland Road. If the fans aren’t happy with something. Tough. If loanees’ parent clubs aren’t happy with it. Tough. This is Bielsa’s team and he will choose who he wants.
The Argentine has craved consistency in his team though and although Roberts and Shackleton are fit to play, they might not yet be fully up to speed after lengthy spells out.
In other Leeds United news, Bielsa has reacted to Jack Clarke’s return to Tottenham.