Raphinha and Koch to start – Leeds predicted XI v Manchester United
Marcelo Bielsa is predicted to make two changes to the Leeds United starting line-up ahead of the clash against Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday.
Raphinha is expected to be fit as The Athletic’s Phil Hay reported “he’ll have a decent chance” of returning after the Brazilian winger missed the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Monday. He’s predicted to replace the misfiring Helder Costa, who once again failed to impress this week.
In the other change, we’re predicting that Robin Koch will return to the Leeds side to earn his first start since December. The fit-again German could replace Pascal Struijk in the defence after Paul Robinson told MOT Leeds News he was “surprised” Struijk started versus Liverpool.
Illan Meslier is predicted to start in goals again behind a back-four of Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Koch and Ezgjan Alioski.
Kalvin Phillips is bound to start in the deep-lying midfield area with Stuart Dallas and Tyler Roberts ahead of him in the more advanced roles.
Raphinha is predicted to take a spot on the right-wing with Jack Harrison on the left.
Patrick Bamford is likely to round off the starting line-up by continuing in the centre-forward position.
Man United hammered Leeds in the reverse fixture earlier this season when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side won 6-2 at Old Trafford.
Leeds have won just one of their last seven meetings with their old rivals and that was in 2010 when Jermaine Beckford netted a winner at Old Trafford in the FA Cup.
In other Leeds United news, Andrea Radrizzani’s powerful ally has grown even stronger after a huge turn of events in Europe.