Leeds United scripted a late resurgence under Jesse Marsch and avoided a relegation scare towards the closure of the previous campaign. They started the season brightly with victories against Wolves and Chelsea, but a dreadful run of form over the past couple of months saw them slip to 18th in the Premier League standings before locking horns with Liverpool at Anfield.
The Reds are also struggling to build momentum in the league as they won against Manchester City and West Ham United but lost to bottom-placed Nottingham Forrest in the last gameweek. A midweek win against Ajax was enough to seal a place in the Champions League Round of 16, but they must aim for getting closer to the ‘top four’ with a victory at Anfield.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup To Face Liverpool
Defence
Despite being in his early twenties, Illan Meslier was promoted as Leeds ‘number 1’ by then-boss Marcelo Bielsa. Although they have roped in Joel Robles on a Bosman to add depth as well as quality, the young Frenchman has retained his starting status between the sticks.
Luke Ayling should keep his place in the starting XI with Rasmus Kristensen likely to continue as the understudy to the veteran right fullback. Liam Cooper is expected to recover in time from an injury and partner with Robin Koch in the heart of the backline. Diego Llorente might get the nod if the skipper fails to clear a late fitness test. Versatile Pascal Struijk should feature down the left ahead of Junior Firpo.
Midfield
Sam Greenwood has been converted into a central midfielder and the England youth international should operate from the centre of the pitch amid the potential absence of Tyler Adams. Marc Roca plied his trade at Elland Road from Bayern Munich during the summer window and the Spaniard must form a ‘double pivot’ alongside Greenwood. Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw remain sidelined with long-term fitness woes, but the gaffer might deploy Mateusz Klich at some stage in the second half.
Brenden Aaronson has been an exciting summer addition from Red Bull Salzburg. But the young USMNT international is yet to justify his potential donning Leeds United colours. Having said that, he is tipped to be deployed once again as a ‘number 10’ and the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Jack Harrison should occupy the wide attacking spots. Luis Sinisterra is a doubt with an ankle injury.
Attack
Rodrigo and Joe Gelhardt have minor knocks and the manager should opt for Patrick Bamford even though he is yet to find the net this season.
