Team predictions

Who’s likely to start for Leeds against Forest Green Rovers tomorrow?

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The World Cup finishes and Leeds are straight back into it, ready to disappoint us again. I’m sure the club and Bielsa especially expected more than one signing to be made before we play our first preseason game. That number is likely to increase to two when Jamal Blackman is confirmed today. With all that in mind, who’s going to start the game for Leeds tomorrow night?

For all we know, Bielsa may change his beliefs and play 4-4-2 this season. However, that seems unlikely so we’ll presume he’s sticking with his preferred 3-3-1-3 formation.

GK – Jamal Blackman – It was said late last week by Phil Hay that Blackman would be confirmed on Monday and play Tuesday, but he could easily play the second-half instead.

Into the defence…

RCB – Luke Ayling – Ayling is familiar with playing as part of a back three from his time at Bristol City and with our options lacking, it makes the most sense to play him there.

CB – Liam Cooper – Nobody thought Cooper would be starting again this season but the way our transfer window is going, he may well be.

LCB – Kalvin Phillips – A lot of people think Bielsa may play Forshaw here, but I have a strong feeling he’s going to try Phillips in that role. No, I don’t think it will work.

Jansson isn’t included because he isn’t training with the squad yet.

LWB – Tom Pearce – It’s unknown at this stage whether Bielsa rates Tom Pearce but on the basis of last season, he deserves a chance to win that job. He’s actually perfectly suited to be a wing-back considering his attacking prowess.

RWB – Stuart Dallas – Don’t be surprised to see Leeds sign someone to play RWB before the transfer window closes. At this point, Dallas is the best option for that position and who knows, he may just make it his own.

CM – Ronaldo Vieira – Leeds have more centre-mids than anyone can possibly need, but this is really between Vieira and Forshaw at the minute. Vieira wins that battle for me, but we’ll see how things progress throughout preseason.

CAM – Samuel Sáiz – If Samu plays like he did in the first half of last season, he has to start, but we need to see that consistency come back.

LW – Pablo Hernandez – Pablo will basically float around when we’re attacking, going where he needs to be. It’s unlikely Pablo will play twice a week given his age and the style of football Bielsa wants to play, but he’s still one of our best players.

RW – Gjanni Alioski – Alioski showed in spells last season that he has the quality to be a top player at this level, unfortunately he just lacked consistency. He could also end up playing LWB this season, as he does for his country.

ST – Kemar Roofe – It’s mind-boggling that Leeds haven’t signed a striker yet. Roofe and the mysterious Tyler Roberts are the only real options at this stage.

Let us know who you want to see start for Leeds tomorrow night!

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  • Henryv says:

    If we play full backs at centre back in the Championship we will be more vulnerable at corners and free kicks than we were last season.
    Vital part of the game in our League.

  • Patrick Derwin says:

    It looks like we are stuck with near enough the same rubbish as last year. Bottom half of the table. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so.

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