Leeds United prediction: Probable Whites XI to face Fulham
Leeds United are set to take on fellow promotion chasers Fulham on Saturday at Elland Road in a high-octane Championship fixture. Marcelo Bielsa’s men are heading into this game on the back of a 2-0 defeat at the hand of Cardiff City.
The Whites lost momentum in the previous outing and they failed to get a win. However, nothing but a win would take them to the top of the table.
On the other hand, Fulham are also pushing hard to enter into the automatic qualification spot. And it will not be an easy task for Leeds as they had already lost to the same opponent in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
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Kiko Casilla is yet to complete his 8-match suspension and is set to remain out of the squad. Other notable absentees would be Jean-Kevin Augustin and Adam Foreshaw. The Frenchman suffered a setback after returning to training and Foreshaw is still recovering after undergoing surgery.
Predicted Leeds XI
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Illan Meslier (GK)
The 20-year-old has deputized in the absence of Kiko Casilla. He will retain his spot in goal against the Cottagers.
Luke Ayling (RB)
Though the former Bristol City man has been brilliant throughout the campaign, his performance against Cardiff in the last outing wasn’t convincing. He will be expected to do well at both ends of the pitch.
Ben White (CB)
The Brighton loanee has been one of the best players in the second tier this term. He will be an undoubted starter.
Liam Cooper (CB)
Cooper was at fault for one of Cardiff’s goals in the previous game. He needs to lead by example and help the team cross the line. He will retain his spot in the heart of the defence.
Stuart Dallas (LB)
The 29-year-old is one of the few players who have started in every league game so far. He is a key player under Bielsa and has also done a decent job while joining the team’s attack.
Kalvin Phillips (CDM)
The Leeds-born midfielder was not at his best in the last outing. However, he will be key to stop Fulham’s attack. He needs to be consistent which could benefit Bielsa’s side heavily.
Mateusz Klich (CM)
Klich has established himself as a key member of the squad. He will be an undoubted starter on Saturday.
Pablo Hernandez (CM)
Despite missing a lot of games, the Spaniard has racked up 6 goals and 6 assists so far in the league.
Helder Costa (RW)
The winger didn’t have the best of the games against Cardiff. He needs to be providing a lot for the strikers and must take his game to the next level.
Jack Harrison (LW)
Harrison has contributed immensely to Leeds’ cause. He is one of the first names on the team sheet and will be expected to contribute heavily once again on Saturday.
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Patrick Bamford (ST)
Despite scoring just 1 goal in the last 9 league games, Bamford is the club’s top scorer. He will be leading the attack and needs to add to his goal tally to boost his confidence going into the business end of the season.
