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Leeds’ Premier League winless run could span six games unless they beat West Ham at Elland Road on Saturday.
The Whites have drawn three of their opening five games, but a victory has so far escaped Marcelo Bielsa’s all-out attacking machine.
Conceding goals has also been a problem for Leeds – 12 have been dispatched in those five games – and there is bad news in terms of team selection for the game against the Hammers. Diego Llorente and Robin Koch are injured and Pascal Struijk is suspended, leaving Bielsa running out of options in central defense.
It might lead to a form change, but you never really know what you’re going to get from the Argentinian. One thing’s for sure, Patrick Bamford won’t be there either – he has a problem with his ankle.
Illan Meslier (GK) – Leeds number one is heading to the top of the game. A superbly talented sniper.
Luke Ayling (CB) – Always reliable and may need to guide a young teammate through a difficult 90 minutes.
Charlie Cresswell (CB) – Kalvin Phillips is an option in central defense, but will Bielsa want to remove his best player from the starting role? Maybe not.
Liam Cooper (CB) – Leeds captain and backine leader Cooper can expect a tough afternoon against dynamic Michail Antonio.
Stuart Dallas (RWB) – The Premier League‘s most versatile player could play literally anywhere. It could even be on the right rear!
Kalvin Phillips (CM) – Continues to strengthen at the base of the midfielder. It would be a shame if he had to fill in the back.
Mateusz Klich (CM) – It’s not always the first name on the team sheet, but Patrick Bamford’s injury in the lead could cement his place.
Junior Firpo (LWB) – Coolly converted a penalty midweek in the Carabao Cup shootout against Fulham – a much needed boost of confidence.
Raphinha (AD) – Not 100% fit, but that’s the heart of the Leeds squad going forward. Supremely smart on the ball and a real threat.
Rodrigo (CF) – Patrick Bamford’s ankle injury could lead to a more advanced role for Rodrigo, something he’s more than used to since his time at Valencia.
Daniel James (AG) – Should have an interesting afternoon against the endless Duracell battery that is Vladimir Coufal. Has a serious pace to burn but needs more consistency with its final product.
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