Leeds United are aiming to extend their ongoing winning run to three games in all competitions when they play hosts to Everton on Wednesday. The Whites have secured important victories against Newcastle United and Leicester City that have helped reshape their season following a dismal start to 2021. Marcelo Bielsa’s men are now hoping to push further up the table with a win over the Toffees this midweek.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs Everton
Defence
Diego Llorente has been ruled out for three to four weeks after sustaining a new injury against Newcastle United. Bielsa, in the last game, opted to go with Pascal Struijk in central defence alongside Liam Cooper. The Argentine has absolutely no reason to tinker with that setup as both the defenders produced excellent defensive performances against Leicester City.
Struijk starting in central midfield also means Luke Ayling could feature in his usual right-back position, although the same cannot be said about Stuart Dallas. Instead, we might once again see Ezgjan Alioski playing at left-back.
In fact, we are unlikely to witness any defensive changes from the side that faced the Foxes, so Illan Meslier should complete the Leeds United backline by starting in goal. The young Frenchman is hoping for a clean sheet after a couple of good performances since returning to full fitness.
Midfield
Bielsa could once again employ a 4-2-3-1 formation with Stuart Dallas assisting Kalvin Phillips in the double-pivot. This little manoeuvre has made the Whites much more solid in the second line of press, ultimately helping them provide better cover for the central defenders and the goalkeeper in behind.
Rodrigo would usually operate in the number ten position, but after sustaining an injury in the last game, Mateusz Klich could make his first start in three matches. The Pole was quite useful against Leicester City and will be hoping to make a similar impact against the Toffees this midweek.
Attack
Two key attackers for Leeds United in Patrick Bamford and Raphinha suffered blows after starring in the 3-1 win over Leicester City on Sunday. Bielsa has claimed he is unsure over the fitness of Raphinha, but we do expect him to recover ahead of Wednesday’s deadline.
Bamford should also get back to full fitness, though Leeds United do have Ian Poveda and Tyler Roberts as potential alternatives. It will be interesting to see whether a potential knock to Bamford could force the club to sign a striker on Deadline Day.
Nevertheless, Jack Harrison is a guaranteed starter alongside these two in the Leeds United attack this midweek as the on-loan Man City winger looks to continue his scoring run.
