Dan James could make his Leeds United debut when the Whites host Liverpool on Sunday, with Marcelo Bielsa likely to keep Jack Harrison at left-wing, according to Leeds Live.
The West Yorkshire natives will be without Raphinha after Fifa upheld Brazil’s request to ban their international players. Leeds refused to let the 24-year-old join Tite’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers, but it will impact them, nonetheless.
The ban blocks Brazilian players from featuring for five-days, and will also influence Jurgen Klopp’s team choice, as well. Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino will be unavailable for Liverpool, who Sky Sports report believe Fifa have no basis to stop them from featuring.
Raphinha’s absence in the Leeds ranks could open the door for James to make his debut with Harrison likely staying on the left. The Wales international completed a £25m transfer from Manchester United on Deadline Day, signing a five-year contract with the Whites.
Bielsa may elect for a straight-swap between Raphinha and James on the right-hand side of Elland Road this weekend. Leeds Live expect Harrison to retain his usual spot on the left, in which he impressed against Liverpool last season.
Harrison has started all three of the Whites’ Premier League fixtures thus far this season on the left-wing. He is yet to score or provide an assist, since the Elland Road outfit turned his loan from Manchester City permanent for £11m in July after a strong debut top-flight term.
The 24-year-old scored eight times and laid on a further eight over 36 appearances, starting 34. He netted his first of the 2020/21 campaign on the opening day during a 4-3 loss away to Liverpool. The Stoke-born dynamo later assisted against the Anfield club in a 1-1 draw.
Should James debut vs Liverpool with Harrison on Leeds’ left-wing?
Bielsa may favour debuting James against Liverpool on Sunday after Harrison impressed on the left-wing against Klopp’s side last season. He gave Reds full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold a real test with his direct runs and ability to beat players at Anfield.
Harrison is also an adept crosser and while he is yet to score or assist this term, still creates chances. He also offered flashes of pace to sprint down the Manchester United wings last month. The former England U21 international also demonstrated great ball control against Everton and was a leading attacking presence against Burnley.
With Raphinha missing against Liverpool, Sunday offers Bielsa a great chance to introduce James to the Elland Road crowd. Someone who Arsenal icon Ian Wright called ‘energetic’ and told ITV Sport he is excited to see in West Yorkshire. It also offers Harrison a great chance to break his goal and assist drought and inspire a positive Leeds result.
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