Bielsa axes 24 y/o flop, Gelhardt starts in 2 changes: Predicted Leeds XI vs Villa - opinion

Leeds United finally return to Premier League action this evening as they head to the Midlands to face Aston Villa and manager Marcelo Bielsa has plenty to ponder ahead of kickoff.

The Argentine will be expecting a response after his side were defeated by potential relegation rivals Newcastle United last time out and despite being off for over two weeks, there are still plenty of injury problems at Thorp Arch.

But what sort of lineup could the 66-year-old select at Villa Park tonight? Here’s what we are predicting…

There could be just two changes from the side that tasted defeat to the Magpies.

Much of the backline is expected to remain the same, so first-choice shot-stopper Illan Meslier continues between the sticks with Stuart Dallas filling in at left-back for the injured Junior Firpo.

Pascal Struijk and Diego Llorente partner each other in the middle, in the absence of captain Liam Cooper, whilst Luke Ayling is likely to have the armband at right-back.

The first change could be in midfield as Adam Forshaw is available for selection. It could mean that Rodrigo is axed for the Englishman, who comes in alongside Mateusz Klich with Robin Koch taking up the ‘Kalvin Phillips’ role once again.

Out wide, both Raphinha and Jack Harrison should keep their places, whilst Joe Gelhardt may get the nod over Daniel James up front. The 24-year-old Welshman has struggled to lead the line as Patrick Bamford continues to miss matches through injury.

The flop has failed to make his mark since a whopping £30m move in the summer.

Predicted Leeds XI (4-1-4-1) vs Villa: Meslier; Dallas, Struijk, Llorente, Ayling; Koch; Harrison, Forshaw, Klich, Raphinha; Gelhardt.

AND in other news, Signed for £5m, now worth 740% more: Leeds struck gold