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Cooper starts, 4-4-1-1: The Leeds United XI Javi Gracia should field v Liverpool

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It’s Monday Night Football for Leeds United this week as they entertain Liverpool at Elland Road.

Leeds were licking their wounds following a heavy 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend in the Premier League, with Javi Gracia sure to be searching for some kind of reaction, despite an obviously difficult fixture against Liverpool.

Early Leeds United team news

LEEDS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 25: Kamaldeen Sulemana of Southampton is challenged by Maximilian Woeber of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Southampton FC at Elland Road on February 25, 2023 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

One key question many fans have right now is whether or not Max Wober will be fit enough to feature for Leeds against Liverpool.

In the three games he’s missed since picking up a hamstring injury on international duty, Leeds have conceded 10 goals and looked shaky defensively.

The message from Gracia, as per Leeds Live, is that Wober will be assessed in training this weekend with a view to being involved.

Tyler Adams remains out of the side with a hamstring injury of his own, sitting out alongside Stuart Dallas as one of the squad’s long-term absentees.

Quiz: Can you remember Leeds United’s last 15 results v Liverpool?

1 of 15

October 2022, Anfield?

Predicted Leeds XI v Liverpool

As our graphic above shows, Wober isn’t risked whatever his fitness situation, with Leeds looking ahead to a week that sees them face Fulham, Leicester City and Bournemouth.

Instead, it’s Liam Cooper and Rasmus Kristensen recalled to the back-four ahead of Illan Meslier, joining Junior Firpo and Robin Koch, replacing Pascal Struijk and Luke Ayling.

Marc Roca and Weston McKennie continue in the absence of Adams, with Luis Sinisterra and Jack Harrison still feeling like Leeds’ best wide options despite fading against Palace.

In attack, Rodrigo should be recalled and replace Patrick Bamford leading the line, with Brenden Aaronson providing support and energy from an advanced midfield position.

Should Gracia play Bamford and Rodrigo together?

Yes

Yes

No - just Bamford

No - just Bamford

No - just Rodrigo

No - just Rodrigo

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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.