Leeds United open their Championship campaign this Sunday with a potentially tricky trip to Bristol City.
After another eventful summer, Leeds will finally be able to concentrate on matters on the pitch when they face Bristol City in their opening game of the new Championship season on Sunday.
With many United fans concerned about the club’s performance in the transfer window, the Elland Road faithful will be hoping that Marcelo Bielsa has got his sleeve ready and is prepared to produce a number of tricks from it.
One change that appears to be in the offing is the formation that Leeds will use during the coming season. The final pre-season game against Cagliari saw Bielsa deploy a system which included three centre-backs and something of a midfield diamond.
Last year’s friendly with Las Palmas provided a big indication of how Leeds would set up throughout the season. So it is not of the question to suggest that Bielsa may be looking to roll the dice at Ashton Gate and showcase his new strategy.
The big problem is, once again, injuries and suspensions. Key men such as Gaetano Berardi, Luke Ayling and Kemar Roofe are unavailable.
Berardi’s absence could see Kalvin Phillips drop into the back line as he did on a number of occasions last term. If Bielsa does not want to move Phillips, perhaps Leif Davis could be used, or Pascal Struijk could even be called up after impressing for the under-23s.
Adam Forshaw may be a divisive figure, but he is a player that Bielsa trusts, so he may start if Phillips drops back. Meanwhile, Barry Douglas and Stuart Dallas may get the nod in the wide roles. Once again, Davis must come into contention after his impressive showing in Italy.
If it is Douglas, then perhaps Leeds fans will get their first proper glimpse of an exciting partnership with Helder Costa down the left, with the attacker playing ahead of Jack Harrison in the front three. Admittedly, it could look foolish to suggest that Harrison will not start in Bristol – he is another player Bielsa trusts and enjoyed a fantastic pre-season – but Costa may get the nod after travelling to Italy.
His partnership with Pablo Hernandez looks set to catch the eye, so it may be the tricky pair starting either side of Patrick Bamford. But it would be a big call to leave out Harrison, and one many will suggest Bielsa is unlikely to make.
Nevertheless, here is a look at the predicted lineup in full…
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