Leeds United are hoping to maintain their winning momentum as they take on Liverpool on Monday. The Whites are currently one of the most in-form teams in the mid-table, having secured three back to back wins in the league, with their most recent triumph coming against league leaders Manchester City. However, Liverpool could be another tough nut to crack, as the Reds have been on the ascendancy in recent weeks.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup Vs Liverpool
Defence
Marcelo Bielsa will have to make some adjustments in the defensive department as captain Liam Cooper is facing a three-match ban following his red card against Manchester City.
The Argentine has two options in Pascal Struijk and Robin Koch, and it appears the latter could be preferred due to his experience. The German, therefore, should slot in alongside Diego Llorente, who will shift to the left-hand side of central defence – a role he is more familiar with.
There shouldn’t be too many changes elsewhere, with Luke Ayling and Ezgjan Alioski likely to retain their position as fullbacks, as the duo look to prevent Liverpool’s marauding fullbacks from making an impact in this game.
Illan Meslier is a guaranteed starter in goal for Leeds United, with the Frenchman hoping for his tenth clean sheet of the campaign.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips is a shoo-in at the base of Leeds United’s 4-1-4-1. His ability to circulate possession, coupled with his positional sense, will play a key role in offering more assurance in possession for the Whites.
Moving forward, the Englishman is likely to be accompanied by Tyler Roberts and the in-form Stuart Dallas, whose remarkable brace against Manchester City makes him the most important player for Leeds United heading into this encounter.
The left-back has already notched up seven goals this season, and Liverpool will need to be wary of his driving runs forward.
Attack
Patrick Bamford’s goals have dried up a bit during the second half of the campaign. However, he is still a danger-man for the Liverpool defence with his runs in behind the backline.
As for the wider attacking areas, Leeds United have mixed news as Raphinha is a doubt while Jack Harrison is available again after he was unavailable against Manchester City.
Harrison should slot back into the side, but with Raphinha unlikely to start, we might see Helder Costa retaining his place in the side. Alternatively, Bielsa could deploy Roberts out wide while opting for a bit more physicality in midfield by bringing back Mateusz Klich.
