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Klich axed: The confirmed Leeds United XI to take on Newcastle United this evening

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Image for Klich axed: The confirmed Leeds United XI to take on Newcastle United this evening

Marcelo Bielsa has dropped Mateusz Klich from the Leeds United starting XI against Newcastle United.

Leeds head to St James’ Park this evening for a 6pm kick-off, with Bielsa making three changes to his side to take on Steve Bruce’s Magpies.

As our graphic shows, there’s a full Leeds debut for Diego Llorente, whilst Illan Meslier and Kalvin Phillips are drafted back into the starting side.

Meslier’s return in goal is a welcome one, whilst a defensive reshuffle ahead of him provides great balance.

Llorente coming in at centre-back to partner Liam Cooper means Luke Ayling can move out to right-back, offering balance like Ezgjan Alioski on the left.

Phillips slots seamlessly into the midfield anchor role, with Rodrigo and Stuart Dallas ahead of him. The latter moves into another new position to combat the absence of the benched Klich.

Jack Harrison and Raphinha will play from the left and right (hopefully), providing ammunition for Patrick Bamford.

This is the very first time we’ve actually seen Bielsa drop Klich for a meaningful fixture in two-and-a-half years.

That brings an element of surprise!

However, his performance levels have dipped somewhat lately, with a looming suspension seemingly impacting him.

Dallas will be fine in the midfield, whilst the rest of the side looks really balanced as Meslier, Phillips and Llorente return.

We hope to see Harrison from the left and Raphinha from the right after a poor experiment against Brighton.

If that’s the case, the balance is pretty perfect.

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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.