Wilfried Gnotno to start as trio axed by Javi Gracia – Leeds United predicted XI v Leicester City
Javi Gracia is predicted to make three changes to his starting line-up when Leeds United welcome Leicester City to Elland Road on Tuesday night.
After being at fault for both of Fulham’s goals in their 2-1 win over Leeds on Saturday, as well as the fact he’s conceded 18 goals in his last five Premier League appearances, Illan Meslier could be dropped to the bench and replaced by Joel Robles.
Luke Ayling is predicted to also return to the side to replace Rasmus Kristensen after his shocker at Craven Cottage while Wilfried Gnonto could start in place of £25million summer signing Brenden Aaronson.
Robles, 32, hasn’t played for Leeds in the Premier League since his arrival from Real Betis last summer but Meslier’s form hit a new low at Fulham and it may be time for Gracia to start his fellow Spaniard in between the sticks.
He could start behind a back four of Ayling, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper and Max Wober.
Defensively, Leeds did look better against Fulham than they did in previous games versus Crystal Palace and Liverpool when they conceded 11 goals in two games at Elland Road.
However, changes are still needed and Gracia will surely know that.
Ayling’s form has been poor but there are perhaps more redeeming features about him right now than there are with £10million flop Kristensen.
In the centre of the midfield, despite his underwhelming start to life in Leeds, Weston McKennie is predicted to start alongside Marc Roca.
There could be change in the attack though with Aaronson potentially dropping out to be replaced by Gnonto, which would mean Jack Harrison moves inside and Crysenscio Summerville starts on the right.
Patrick Bamford thought he’d scored at Fulham before his effort was ruled as a Joao Palhinha own-goal.
But Rodrigo’s been more reliable than him this season and we predict the ex-Valencia man to start up front against Leicester, who are looking to turn a corner and move away from the Premier League’s relegation zone after their 2-1 win over Wolves on Saturday.
In other Leeds United news, a supercomputer has made a new relegation prediction for Leeds after the latest twist in the Premier League survival battle.