Predicted Leeds United XI, latest team and injury news vs West Ham
Leeds United return to Premier League action this afternoon with another trip down to the capital.
Marcelo Bielsa’s depleted squad were frustratingly knocked out of the FA Cup by West Ham United last weekend and will have to face them again later today.
What is your prediction for Leeds vs West Ham?
Hammers win
Draw
Leeds win
He is faced with plenty of selection decisions as the injury crisis at Thorp Arch begins to ease up, so it will be interesting to see what sort of side he fields at the London Stadium.
Here’s our predicted XI for the Whites’ trip to east London…
There could be as many as four changes to the side that tasted defeat last Sunday.
Between the sticks, Illan Meslier is likely to remain but there’s an alteration to his back four as Diego Llorente is facing suspension. As a result, we could see Robin Koch drop back into defence to partner academy gem Leo Hjelde, who impressed despite the loss.
Bielsa is still without skipper Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk is only just returning from injury, so the 18-year-old could keep his place. Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo also remain.
In midfield, Adam Forshaw returns after being rested, as should Stuart Dallas and the pair may feature alongside Mateusz Klich.
Further up the pitch, Raphinha is a shoo-in to come back into the fold, having also been named on the bench last week. Jack Harrison may be preferred to Daniel James for the spot on the other flank.
The £52k-per-week Welshman is, therefore, axed due to his poor form in the Whites colours.
Meanwhile, in a big boost, we could see Patrick Bamford finally return from injury – as revealed by The Athletic’s Phil Hay this week, he is likely to be available for selection. If fit, you’d imagine he comes straight in given the lack of alternatives.
Predicted Leeds United XI vs West Ham (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Firpo, Hjelde, Koch, Ayling; Forshaw; Harrison, Dallas, Klich, Raphinha; Bamford
AND in other news, Phil Hay reveals triple injury boost for Leeds United…
Article title: Predicted Leeds United XI, latest team and injury news vs West Ham
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