Leeds United are hoping to finish the season on a high note as they take on West Brom on Sunday in the final matchday of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign. It has been a highly successful return to the top-flight for the Whites, who have guaranteed a top-half table finish and though European football is no longer a realistic possibility, Marcelo Bielsa will still be keen on finishing things in a positive manner.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs West Brom
Defence
In the last game, Marcelo Bielsa brought Liam Cooper back into the setup by opting for a 3-3-3-1 formation that saw the club captain being partnered by the defensive duo of Diego Llorente and Luke Ayling.
It left Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk out of the equation, even though the former has been recently selected for the German national side for the upcoming Euros.
This time around, the in-form Struijk might just get the nod ahead of Cooper and Koch at the heart of the three-man backline, although it will be interesting to see whether Bielsa opts to gift Gaetano Berardi a start, following his emotional comeback to the pitch in midweek.
Illan Meslier, meanwhile, received a rare breather against Southampton. The youngster, however, should replace Kiko Casilla in this final game at the Elland Road in front of the fans.
Midfield
The presence of three central defenders has allowed Bielsa to use the ever-versatile Stuart Dallas in the right wing-back slot.
Ezgjan Alioski, though, will look to operate in a wider role on the left flank. The north Macedonian international should play a critical role in offering creative support for the more attacking players, as well as establishing himself as a passing option for Kalvin Phillips in the heart of Leeds United’s second line of press this weekend.
Attack
The Leeds United attack will be spearheaded by Patrick Bamford, but things do get interesting in the creative department.
While Raphinha and Jack Harrison are guaranteed starters out wide, Bielsa is sure to provide more game-time to Ian Poveda, though unfortunately Helder Costa has been ruled out due to injury.
In the vacant number ten role, the Argentine has to choose between Tyler Roberts and Rodrigo Moreno. The Welshman is the favourite, having scored in the last match, but it won’t be surprising to see Pablo Hernandez make an appearance before he leaves the club in the summer.
