Jesse Marsch hands out 4 debuts, Patrick Bamford starts: Predicted Leeds XI vs Wolves - opinion

Leeds United finally return to Premier League action later this afternoon as they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Elland Road.

After narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day of the season, both manager Jesse Marsch and the west Yorkshire faithful will be hoping for a change in fortunes this campaign.

The Whites could kickstart their season with a bang by clinching three points in front of a home crowd, though the American head coach has plenty to ponder in terms of team selection as the club have sealed as many as six new signings so far.

Here’s the XI we’re predicting ahead of kick-off…

Young goalkeeper Illan Meslier will remain as the no.1 option between the sticks, though little is known about who will be backing him up this term.

In defence, Marsch has a Liam Cooper-sized hole to fill as the skipper will be absent for the start of the season through injury. He could opt for Robin Koch and Diego Llorente in the middle.

On the flanks, Junior Firpo is another name on the treatment table, and without Stuart Dallas too, the manager could be forced into deploying Pascal Struijk out there, with summer signing Rasmus Kristensen taking the place of Luke Ayling on the right.

In midfield, it could be a new tandem of Tyler Adams, signed from Marsch’s former club RB Leipzig, and ex-Bayern Munich man Marc Roca. Leeds have had to bolster the engine room following the departure of Kalvin Phillips to champions Manchester City.

Further up the pitch, we’re expecting to see a fourth and final Leeds debutant as Brenden Aaronson comes into the starting XI. The versatile midfielder was signed from RB Salzburg and is capable of playing anywhere along the front three, and in the absence of winger and Raphinha replacement Luis