Bielsa makes big James call, 25 y/o returns in 3 changes: Predicted Leeds XI v Man Utd

Leeds United fans finally get to witness the ‘Battles of the Roses’ as Marcelo Bielsa’s outfit welcome old arch-rivals Manchester United to Elland Road for this afternoon’s exciting offering in the Premier League.

The Yorkshire giants have endured an inconsistent run of form, going from impressive wins over Burnley and West Ham last month to an embarrassing defeat to a struggling Everton side last weekend.

What is your prediction for Leeds vs Man Utd?

Whilst things haven’t exactly been easy for Red Devils caretaker Ralf Rangnick after his team were knocked out of the FA Cup by Middlesbrough.

There are plenty of concerns heading into kickoff for the Argentine head coach, however, with several of his key stars still on the treatment table, so it will be interesting to see what sort of lineup is selected.

Here’s what we are predicting ahead of today’s encounter…

There could be as many as three changes to the side that were thrashed by the relegation-threatened Toffees.

Between the sticks, Illan Meslier remains but the real conundrum comes at left-back, where Junior Firpo is in line for an instant recall following injury. Stuart Dallas, who had been deputising in his absence, picked up a knock in the defeat and may not be risked, so the 25-year-old summer signing comes straight in.

He joins Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and vice-captain Luke Ayling in the backline.

As a result, Pascal Struijk could be moved into midfield, where Adam Forshaw is set to make his first start in over a month. He came on for Mateusz Klich at half-time at Goodison Park and that change is likely to happen from the off today.

Further up the pitch is largely unchanged as Rodrigo, Jack Harrison and Raphinha keep their places in the final third, though there’s one more big call to make up top.

Daniel James delivered against Aston Villa but failed to make an impact last weekend and against his former side, he may well be axed in favour of out-and-out striker Joe Gelhardt, who proved in a cameo against Chelsea that he can cut it amongst the big boys.

Predicted Leeds XI vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Firpo, Koch, Llorente, Ayling; Struijk, Forshaw; Harrison, Rodrigo, Raphinha; Gelhardt.

AND in other news, Leeds eye £10m bargain in “top class” 44-goal gem who’s like Drogba, Bielsa needs him…