Predicted Leeds XI vs Fulham: 2 changes from Anfield, £2.5m man unleashed

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Leeds showed the Premier League what they’re all about at Anfield last weekend.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side didn’t get the points, suffering a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool, but earned plenty of plaudits.

Their season won’t be defined those matches. They’ll be defined matches like Saturday’s at home to Fulham.

This was a Championship fixture a matter of weeks ago and we’ve had a look back at what Bielsa did against the Cottagers on that afternoon in June as we predict the team he’ll select for this one.

The team won’t be that different to the one which walked out at Anfield, but it seems likely Liam Cooper will return.

As per Leeds Live, Bielsa told the press yesterday: “We think Cooper will be ready to play the game on Saturday.”

Cooper should come in for Pascal Struijk at the back, with the defence and goalkeeper the same as at Anfield, having had a midweek break against Hull.

In midfield, it’s a choice between Pablo Hernandez and Tyler Roberts.

Bielsa started the £2.5 million (BBC) Welshman in that June fixture, so we’ve got him in the starting eleven here.

It shouldn’t be forgotten that Hernandez had a huge impact on that game when he came on at half time and Bielsa could easily start him here – but we think he might be set for the supersub role.

Bielsa also told his press conference that Rodrigo ‘won’t start the game at the weekend’, which will allow Patrick Bamford the chance to build on his goalscoring start to life in the top flight.