Leeds United are looking to continue their promising start to the campaign as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday. The Whites have won two of their first four league matches while drawing with Manchester City in their last game. However, Marcelo Bielsa will face a challenging task ahead as his side locks horns with Nuno Espirito Santo’s well-drilled Wolves.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs Wolves
Defence
Leeds United did confirm that both Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente have picked up injuries during the international break. It doesn’t bode well for Bielsa, who already has a shortage of options in central defence this season.
Llorente is set to remain out for three weeks while Cooper’s lack of fitness means Bielsa could be forced to recall youngster Pascal Struijk back into the starting lineup. The Argentine tactician may also switch to a back three in order to mirror Wolves’ 3-4-1-2 formation, so we can expect Luke Ayling to operate as the right-sided centre-back.
Ayling will form the three-man Leeds United backline alongside Struijk and new signing Robin Koch. The German, in particular, needs to step up his game, especially in the absence of captain Cooper.
Illan Meslier, meanwhile, is a guaranteed starter in goal, having emerged as one of the Premier League’s most promising ‘keepers this season.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips should retain his role in the number six slot, providing cover for the three-man backline.
Bielsa has also confirmed that both Pablo Hernandez and Mateusz Klich are available for selection. And while Klich is, more or less, a guaranteed starter, he could be partnered by Stuart Dallas, whose energy could be critical in the second line of press.
Hernandez, meanwhile, could be utilised as a second-half substitute as starting him, following an almost three-week absence from football, could be a risk.
Attack
The wingback roles should be occupied by Helder Costa and Jack Harrison, although in truth, these two are more than expected to operate as wide attackers. New signing Raphinha is also an option and could potentially make an appearance from the bench, after joining from Stade Rennes this summer.
Finally, the Leeds United attack will be spearheaded by the offensive duo of Rodrigo Moreno and Patrick Bamford.
The latter has already been in excellent form while Rodrigo is also starting to settle into life at Elland Road, notably scoring the equaliser in the draw with Manchester City. It will be interesting to see how these two play alongside each other on Monday.
