A dreadful Elland Road defeat against Derby County shattered Leeds United’s promotion dreams back in May. But the Whites are ready to give it another go as they are set to kickstart the new campaign on Sunday evening in a tricky away test against Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Leeds did a double over the Robins last season and are aiming for a perfect start this term to achieve their long-pending Premier League return. They have lost a couple of key individuals in Pontus Jansson and Bailey Peacock-Farrell, but at the same time, secured the services of Helder Costa to bolster their attacking threat.
Leeds United Team News Vs Bristol City
Marcelo Bielsa has provided the fitness update of the squad and confirmed the unavailability of Luke Ayling, Tyler Roberts and Kemar Roofe.
“Luke Ayling is missing, Tyler Roberts and Roofe too. These are the 3 players that we miss.
“Ayling has an operation on his ankle, Tyler is in a process which will finally be an operation and Roofe has an ankle injury. Shackleton is ready.”
Stated the iconic Argentine during the press conference (as quoted by talkSport).
They, however, have kept hold of Kalvin Phillips so far amid strong interest from Aston Villa and the supporters must be excited to have a closer look at the potential debutants Ben White and Costa.
Leeds United Formation Vs Bristol City:
Bielsa has been creative over his team’s set-up throughout his managerial regime but should field the Whites in a 4-1-4-1 pattern similar to their previous campaign. They had a strong run of results barring the final few outings, and the gaffer should look to reinstate the balance, coordination as well as the winning streak to script a stellar start.
Defence
The exit of Peacock-Farrell would see Kiko Casilla featuring as the ‘number 1’ for the time being. The ex-Real Madrid custodian was catastrophic against the Rams and must ensure a more focused and matured display to restore the stability between the sticks.
Gaetano Berardi missed out on months of football last season through injuries. Although he is capable of featuring across the backline, Ayling’s injury should see the Swiss ace occupying the right-back role for the upcoming fixtures. Ben White and Liam Cooper would be partnering in the heart of the backline whereas Barry Douglas should grab his place on the left despite an underwhelming 2018-19 campaign.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips was majestic last season in the ‘hole’ in between the backline and ‘midfield four’. His future is still up in the air, but the homegrown prodigy should stay grounded and showcase his professionalism until a move materialises.
Mateusz Klich should be deployed in central midfield, and the vision of Pablo Hernandez must be utilised to inject more creativity from the centre of the pitch. The veteran Spaniard should be shifted to a more central role making way for new signing Helder Costa on the right-hand flank. Ezgjan Alioski must secure a starting spot ahead of Jack Harrison down the left.
Attack
Injuries to Tyler Roberts and Kemar Roofe would see Patrick Bamford spearheading Leeds United’s attack. He has been wasteful at times, but his early strike in March proved to be the difference between these two sides in their previous meeting.
