MOT View: Liam Cooper returns after major injury update – Predicted Leeds United starting XI v Arsenal
Leeds United travel to Arsenal on Sunday [08 May] knowing they need to win in this Premier League relegation battle.
The Whites are two points ahead of Everton and level with Burnley but have a dreadful goal difference to contend with.
Jesse Marsch confirmed a major injury boost on Friday [06 May] though with Liam Cooper available for selection after training.
Illan Meslier will start in goal, and he will be hoping for a much better afternoon than he had against Manchester City.
Luke Ayling will keep his spot at right-back with Junior Firpo on the left in a back four formation this time around.
Cooper will slot straight back into the side with his captain’s armband, with Robin Koch getting the nod alongside him ahead of Pascal Struijk.
Kalvin Phillips will start once again in midfield, and he will know that he has a huge role to play in these final four games after missing most of the season.
Mateusz Klich is the only other midfield option, and he will be backed by Marsch to make a difference in each third.
Raphinha may be destined for the exit whatever happens this season, but he has to leave everything out there to keep us in the Premier League.
Jack Harrison will be on the left, and his work going forward as well as defensively with Firpo will be key against Bukayo Saka.
There will be calls for Joe Gelhardt but will be made to wait on the bench again despite two up front returning.
Rodrigo will get his spot centrally, but he will have Dan James alongside him with his pace and pressing ability vital in these big games where we may not have the ball as much.
Here’s how we expect the Whites to line up…
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are leading the race to complete a major signing and have already opened talks to seal a £25m deal