Bielsa makes big Raphinha call, Forshaw starts: Predicted Leeds XI vs Everton - opinion

Leeds United return to Premier League action later this afternoon as Marcelo Bielsa takes his side to Goodison Park to face Everton.

The Toffees are in desperate need of results, whilst the Yorkshiremen will be keen to ensure that they are not pulled into the relegation mire at the foot of the table.

Last time out, the Whites played out a six-goal thriller against Villa, which was only a few days ago, so with little time to rest, it will be interesting to see what sort of line-up the Argentine selects.

Here’s our predicted XI for this exciting encounter…

There could be just one change from the side which drew 3-3- with Villa on Wednesday night.

Bielsa has already confirmed that he will be without four first-team players in Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford, Liam Cooper and Junior Firpo, who are all absent through injury.

Between the sticks, Illan Meslier should resume his shot-stopping duties and the back four in front of him should also remain unchanged, so Stuart Dallas continues at left-back with Pascal Struijk and Diego Llorente in the middle, and vice-captain Luke Ayling on the right.

The only change could be in midfield, where Adam Forshaw replaces Robin Koch to partner Mateusz Klich. Further forward, Wednesday’s unsung hero Rodrigo will continue in an advanced role.

Bielsa could be tempted for further alterations in the attack as Jack Harrison and Raphinha, who arguably had his quietest game in a Leeds shirt this season against Villa, were underwhelming.

However, given the serious lack of alternatives, they both keep their places in a big call from the 66-year-old.

Dan James, who scored twice in the Midlands, will surely lead the line once again, meaning Joe Gelhardt misses out.

Predicted Leeds XI (4-2-3-1) vs