Leeds United return to Premier League action today as they host Southampton in an all-important clash at the bottom of the table.

It represents Javi Gracia's first match in charge at Elland Road, and the Spaniard will be hoping to get off to the best possible start as he welcomes the only team in the top flight who sit below the Whites in the table.

Having lost to Everton last time out in an abysmal showing on the road, there is hope that the home crowd can play a huge role in revitalising a Leeds team who never really troubled the Toffees on their travels seven days ago.

Meanwhile, the Saints come off the back of a famous win at Stamford Bridge, becoming the latest team to inflict misery on Chelsea. It makes this match all the more intriguing, with neither of the two sides offering any sense of predictability.

With injuries and a slew of poor performances for Gracia to consider, how could Leeds line up today?

How will Leeds line up against Southampton?

The new manager could make four changes in personnel from Michael Skubala's side which surrendered to defeat at Goodison Park.

Illan Meslier will remain in goal despite his blunder costing the team a week ago. Equally capable of the spectacular as of the ridiculous, the Whites will need him to offer a more calming presence as they near the season's run-in.

The return of club captain Liam Cooper could provide such stability, as he is expected to replace the injured Max Wober. With the Austrian having suffered what seemed like a dislocated shoulder, the £25k-per-week Scottish titan offers a fine alternative who can partner Robin Koch at the heart of the defence.

Cooper has won more headers and made more interceptions per game than anyone else at Elland Road, so his no-nonsense attributes could help to firm up a Leeds defence which has shipped 39 league goals this season, the fourth-most of any team in the top flight.

Luke Ayling's stint in the team is set to end, with Rasmus Kristensen expected to be recalled after he returned to action off the bench at Goodison Park last week. Junior Firpo will retain his spot at left-back, a position where alternatives are sparse to non-existent.

The midfield core may finally see that all-American trio start, as Brenden Aaronson is expected to return to feature just in front of Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams. The former might even operate as a second striker, given how Gracia has enjoyed success with a 4-4-2 system in the past.

That would allow Jack Harrison to move out wide into his natural role as Crysencio Summerville drops to the bench. Whilst the former was particularly disappointing in their last game, it was the youngster who earned a lower Sofascore rating and should perhaps bedropped. Wilfried Gnonto will occupy the opposite flank.

Having finally earned a run in the team without injury, Patrick Bamford should also be omitted today, as he has gone five matches without a goal in the league.

There is no sense in leaving club-record signing Georginio Rutter on the sidelines, so he could come in to replace the man that journalist Fatteh Hamid had dubbed "wasteful" earlier in the season.

Leeds United predicted XI (4-4-2): Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; Harrison, Adams, McKennie, Gnonto; Aaronson, Rutter.