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3 changes: The Leeds United XI we expect Marcelo Bielsa to field v Newcastle United

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Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United head north tomorrow evening to take on Newcastle United.

Leeds are looking for a return to winning ways, with a trip to St James’ Park a very presentable opportunity.

There’s increased confidence at Leeds too as players return and an injury list shortens.

As our graphic shows, the returning Illan Meslier should come back in goal.

With Diego Llorente really looking like he’s getting back to full fitness, he should come into the side and force a reshuffle to the back-four.

He partners Liam Cooper at centre-back, allowing Luke Ayling to shift out to the right and Stuart Dallas to move back to left-back.

Kalvin Phillips also returns from suspension to anchor the midfield, offering the perfect balance to allow Rodrigo and Mateusz Klich freedom to get forwards.

One tactical change should be Jack Harrison and Raphinha switching back to their preferred wings, where they will hope to provide Patrick Bamford with ammunition.

It’s fair to say that after a 1-0 loss to Brighton last time out, the starting XI could do with a shake up.

Meslier is the club’s first choice and should come in.

Llorente’s return to fitness is also a boost, with the defence looking far more balanced with round pegs in round holes at last.

Finally, the return of Kalvin Phillips is going to be massive.

It is never a surprise we lose games when he isn’t there and he will be key to unleashing our side’s true attacking potential.

He holds the whole side together.

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.