Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch is able to welcome back several of his key players from injury as his side finally returns to action in the Premier League.

The west Yorkshire side welcome Aston Villa to Elland Road this afternoon and whilst just one point separates the two sides in the standings, it has been a disappointing campaign so far for Steven Gerrard and co.

Meanwhile, after an electric start to the season which included a 3-0 win over Chelsea, the Whites now find themselves winless in three outings and without a competitive fixture in a month.

It was four weeks ago that Marsch witnessed his side crumble to Brentford, losing 5-2, so it'll be interesting to see how things have developed on the training pitch since then - and he's able to welcome back everyone bar long-term absentee Stuart Dallas.

With that in mind, we should see first-choice glovesman Illan Meslier remain between the sticks, whilst for the first time this term, he has one of his strongest back fours in front of him in Pascal Struijk - starting at left-back over Junior Firpo - Robin Koch, skipper Liam Cooper and the returning Luke Ayling on the right.

The captain would be an instant swap for inconsistent £18m centre-back Diego Llorente - whose form in the past 18 months has led to fan site 'Right in the Gary Kellys' describe him as a "massive liability", whilst youngster Cody Drameh makes way for the long-serving right-back.

Two bright sparks of this side have been Marc Roca and Tyler Adams at the base of midfield, so they should both keep their places, with Brenden Aaronson - another exciting talent - continuing as the no.10 slightly ahead of them.

The biggest calls are likely to come in the final third, where Leeds have looked a little toothless and with Patrick Bamford back fit, he should lead the line and be supported by both Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra, meaning Joe Gelhardt is the man to make way.

That would make three changes from the defeat to Brentford with Cooper, Ayling and Bamford all starting against the Villans later today.

Predicted Leeds XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Struijk, Koch, Cooper, Ayling; Roca, Adams; Harrison, Aaronson, Sinisterra, Bamford

AND in other news, Beren Cross drops early team news hint ahead of Villa...