Leeds United dropped their first points of the season as they could only manage a draw against an impressive Swansea City side at Liberty City Stadium. However, the Whites would be delighted with that point as they trailed twice in that game and Marcelo Bielsa’s changes saved the day for United. Next up they would travel to Carrow Road to take on Norwich City who are languishing on the 21st spot.
Given the form they have shown, Bielsa’s men would be expected to go past Daniel Farke’s side. So far Bielsa has named an unchanged eleven in all the league games barring the forced change he had to make in the last match after Liam Cooper’s late injury. We believe he can afford to give some of his leading players a bit of a breather for this encounter.
Team News
Pontus Jansson has had a back issue in training recently, and that is the reason why the Swedish international has not been involved in the game against Swansea City. However, there is a decent chance that he can be ready for this upcoming clash. Liam Cooper suffered muscle tightness in the pre-match warm-up and missed the tie against the Swans. It will be interesting to see how Bielsa would cope with this injury crisis at the back. Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas remain absent.
4-1-4-1 Leeds United Predicted Lineup vs Norwich City
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell will be a definite starter in goal against City. The Whites look thin on the centre back options, and they will hope that Pontus Jansson will recover in time for this encounter. We expect young Conor Shaughnessy to be given his first start of the season. After Liam Cooper’s late injury, Bielsa preferred to use right back Luke Ayling in the centre back role, but for the encounter against the Canaries, he could give young Shaughnessy a chance to prove himself.
18-year-old Jamie Shackleton was thrust into the big game all of a sudden, and he stood up well to the big test midweek. He should start down the right with Barry Douglas keeping his place on the left side of the defence.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips made his 100th appearance in the last game, and he would be expected to start just in front of the defence. We can expect Lewis Baker to be given a start ahead of Mateusz Klich who deserves a rest now after putting in a significant shift last game. Samuel Saiz will partner him in the middle of the park.
Out wide, young Jack Harrison is likely to get a chance at Carrow Road. He came on as a substitute in the second half against the Swans and had a glorious opportunity to win the game for the Whites which he missed. Bielsa will expect much better from the youngster in this game. Ezgjan Alioski would be expected to keep his place down the left flank.
Forward
Kemar Roofe got his fourth goal of the season against Swansea, but this game would be a good chance for Bielsa to give Patrick Bamford his first start in the league this season. He came on in the second half against the Swans and provided the crucial assist for the equaliser.
