Leeds United‘s caretaker manager Michael Skubala remains in the dugout as the Yorkshire outfit play out the second clash of their double-header with Manchester United this afternoon.
The Whites welcome the Red Devils to Elland Road this time after the two sides played out a 2-2 draw, where Wilfried Gnonto’s opening strike and a Raphael Varane own goal had Leeds two goals in front, only a few days ago.
Skubala is faced with plenty of fitness calls ahead of kick-off, so there could be some rotation to the starting XI. Here’s what we are predicting…
How will Leeds lineup against Manchester United?
Illan Meslier is set to remain between the sticks but the U21 boss is forced into a backline change, with Pascal Struijk out with a concussion.
The natural replacement for him is Junior Firpo, which could be a risk up against the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho given the £60k-per-week flop been lambasted as a “liability” in the past – in the eyes of Mirror journalist David Anderson and many more.
He should join Max Wober, Robin Koch and skipper Luke Aylng in defence.
Marc Roca was absent last time out but is in contention for a return.
However, USMNT duo Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams could continue their long-standing partnership and they could be joined by a fellow American in Brenden Aaronson.
Luis Sinisterra had to be withdrawn after just eight minutes on Wednesday night, so we could see Jack Harrison shifted back to the wing, allowing for the former RB Salzburg playmaker to feature in the no.10 role.
They should feature alongside the Whites’ in-form gem Wilfried Gnonto, whilst Skubala has a tough dilemma up top with club-record signing Georginio Rutter vying for a start over Patrick Bamford.
He could well get the nod in a bid to offer some pace and power to Leeds’ frontline in what would be the third and final change from midweek.
Predicted Leeds XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Firpo, Wober, Koch, Ayling; Adams, McKennie; Gnonto, Aaronson, Harrison; Rutter
AND in other news, Skubala could hand Leeds’ “exceptional” £15k-p/w gem his chance to impress vs Man Utd…
from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/e23NsXI
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