Bamford returns, "anonymous" £100k-p/w passenger axed in 4 changes: Predicted Leeds XI - opinion

Leeds United have to better Burnley‘s result to remain a Premier League outfit as the relegation fight goes down to the wire this afternoon.

Jesse Marsch’s squad head to west London to face Brentford, whilst the Clarets host Newcastle United with a spot in next season’s top-flight up for grabs.

The Whites have hit a rough patch of form in recent weeks, picking up only two points from a possible 15, so they’ll need to deliver something special to even stand a chance of safety.

It’ll be interesting to see what sort of side the American names with one key star set to feature following injury…

In goal, Illan Meslier will remain as Leeds’ no.1 shot-stopper, though he could see a different back four in front of him than last time out.

With a win needed, Marsch must shore up his leaky backline, the one that has conceded the second-most goals in the Premier League this season, so we could see Diego Llorente and Junior Firpo axed, with Charlie Cresswell and Pascal Struijk coming in.

The pair offers more defensive stability and aerial threat, particularly from set-pieces. We could also see Jamie Shackleton start over Robin Koch on the right, in Luke Ayling’s absence.

Kalvin Phillips should continue his defensive anchor role, allowing Mateusz Klich to wander forward as a box-to-box option and with a shift to a 4-2-2-2 formation, both Jack Harrison and Raphinha are obvious options on the flanks.

The good news is that Patrick Bamford will be available but for how many minutes remains to be seen. You’d imagine that if he’s fit, he starts. It’s the final game of the season and a must win at all costs. A risky but needed call.

And if you’re the American head coach, you would surely pair him with Joe Gelhardt, who has impressed in his