Leeds United are hoping to gain a winning momentum as they take on Burnley on Saturday. It appears their hopes of a top-seven finish are dead in the water, despite a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. Marcelo Bielsa, though, will have the opportunity to end his team’s campaign on a positive note, preferably by securing three successive wins in these last three matches.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs Burnley
Defence
Leeds United’s last game against Tottenham saw the return of Liam Cooper from suspension. The club captain remains a guaranteed starter for the visitors, as he looks to marshall the backline alongside the in-form Diego Llorente.
Bielsa has no reason to tinker with his defensive unit elsewhere, with Luke Ayling and Ezgjan Alioski destined to occupy the fullback positions once again, as they look to continue their excellent performances during the final phase of the campaign.
Illan Meslier is another guaranteed starter for Leeds United, in goal. Although Burnley may not have the best attacks in the league, the Clarets are sure to test the young Frenchman with their physicality, especially from set-pieces.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips marked his return to the pitch by making a substitute appearance against Tottenham last weekend. He is likely to replace Robin Koch in the holding midfield position, even though the German fared brilliantly in the last game.
Elsewhere in midfield, Phillips will be hoping for additional support from Tyler Roberts and Stuart Dallas in a slightly more advanced role. Dallas, in particular, operated in a wider role against Spurs but might return to a more central role at the expense of Mateusz Klich this weekend.
Attack
Another key first-team regular for Leeds United who is set to return to the starting eleven is Raphinha. Much like Phillips, the Brazilian made a substitute appearance against Spurs but should be fit to start in his favoured right-wing slot.
Raphinha and Jack Harrison should, therefore, serve as Leeds’ primary source of creativity, as they look to offer the supply for the lone forward in Patrick Bamford. It was refreshing to see the ex-Chelsea starlet return to scoring ways in the win over Tottenham, but it will be interesting to see whether or not he can replicate a similar performance against the low block of Burnley.
