Leeds United are set to square up against their traditional rivals Manchester United in Perth in a pre-season friendly. This will be the first time these two teams are facing up against each other since 2011. The Whites have already won their two earlier games in the pre-season. They opened their campaign with a 5-0 win against York. Then they won against Guiseley by two goals to one.
The Yorkshire side has divided their team into two groups as one side has stayed behind in England to work on their fitness whereas the other has travelled to Australia. The Whites just have three more games to play (including today’s) before they start their Championship campaign against Bristol City on August 4.
Leeds United were placed in the automatic promotion spots for the better part of last season, but they crumbled like a house of cards in the final weeks of the campaign to miss out on the Premier League berth. Nevertheless, they are set to be one of the favourites to move up in the next season.
Team News: The Whites have travelled with a 16 man squad to Australia, and there won’t be too much room for change. Some of the leading players who have been left out are Luke Ayling, Mateusz Klich and summer signing Helder Costa.
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Kiko Casilla had a horrid show in the playoff semifinal against Derby County, but it seems that he is likely to remain no. 1 for the next season. He should start in goal. Gaetano Berardi and Liam Cooper are the only senior centre backs in the squad. They will start in defence. Barry Douglas is expected to start down the left. Stuart Dallas should start from the right to complete the back four.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips is expected to play in the deepest role in midfield. Leeds United will hope that they manage to keep hold of him this summer. Adam Forshaw is expected to start in central midfield. Kemar Roofe could end up playing as an attacking midfielder. Pablo Hernandez should start from the right flank. He will often look to come inside in central areas to affect play. The Whites have again secured the signing of Jack Harrison on a season-long loan. He is expected to start from the left.
Attack
Patrick Bamford will have to pull up his socks after an underwhelming last campaign. Last summer’s big-money signing could lead the line for the Whites in this clash.