Bielsa axes Klich, rarely-seen 19 y/o starts in 2 changes: Predicted Leeds XI vs Spurs - opinion

Leeds United will be looking to put things right when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Elland Road for this afternoon’s early kickoff in the Premier League.

Last time out, Marcelo Bielsa’s side were thrashed 6-0 by Liverpool, one of many heavy defeats in recent months as the Yorkshiremen sit perilously above the relegation zone.

Burnley’s win over today’s opponents has closed the gap to the drop to just three points, making this encounter a rather important one.

It will be interesting to see what sort of side Bielsa opts for, here’s what we are predicting…

There could be two changes from Wednesday evening.

In goal, Illan Meslier remains, whilst the Argentine head coach is able to welcome back Diego Llorente and Robin Koch to the matchday squad after their respective injuries.

But it may be a risk to throw in the latter so soon after his concussion, so the former gets the nod alongside Pascal Struijk with Junior Firpo on the left and vice-skipper Luke Ayling returning to his natural right-back role.

In midfield, there are decisions to be made as Mateusz Klich has been underwhelming. He’s axed for this fixture with Rodrigo dropping deeper from the attack to take his place. The Spaniard joins Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw in the engine room.

Raphinha could be at risk of being dropped once again after his lacklustre display at Anfield. His attitude looked poor and that may not have gone down well with Bielsa.

Instead, Joe Gelhardt is given a rare start, leading the line with Jack Harrison and Daniel James providing the support. The 19-year-old gem has started only two of his ten Premier League appearances this season.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than Meslier: Leeds disaster who lost 86% duels was shocking at Anfield