SportsBielsa leaves out 7-goal ace: Leeds United predicted XI to face Swansea - Opinion
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa will look to follow the 5-0 win over Stoke City in midweek with another three points as his side travel to face Swansea City on Sunday afternoon.
Thursday evening’s win over Michael O’Neill’s side took the Yorkshire club on to 81 points and very much on the verge of gaining automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Argentine coach Bielsa has masterminded his side to top spot in the Championship table going into the weekend, bouncing back well after play-off disappointment last season, losing to Derby County in the semi-final stage.
Sunday’s visit to the Liberty stadium will hand Leeds the chance to get closer to top-flight football, but they do face a side who are fighting for a play-off place and sit one point off sixth placed Cardiff City at the time of writing.
Here at the Transfer Tavern we have predicted how they will line up against the Swans, with no changes anticipated.
Bielsa has been very trusting of his players since the return of the Championship after the pandemic and Illan Meslier has remained between the sticks. His excellent performances, keeping four clean sheets in seven games, are expected to see him remain in goal for the visit to Wales.
At right back Luke Ayling will continue to start having had arguably the best footballing season of his career, gaining a reputable 7.26 out of ten, which is the highest in the Leeds squad.
When Ben White leaves Leeds at the end of the season to return to Brighton, it will hand Bielsa with a real problem as his and Liam Cooper’s excellent partnership has been a key one this term.
Both are expected to remain at the heart of defence against Swansea, whilst on the left hand side of defence is Stuart Dallas, who returned to action against the Potters.
Just in front of the defence will be Kalvin Phillips, whilst Tyler Roberts and Mateusz Klich are expected to continue in the centre of midfield, meaning Pablo Hernandez, who has 14 goal contributions this season (7 goals, 7 assists), is expected to be an impact substitute.
On the flanks, Jack Harrison and Helder Costa will continue and both have been in good form of late with the latter scoring against Stoke in midweek.
And finally, Patrick Bamford will continue to lead the line after notching a superb late goal against Stoke to take his season tally to 16 goals in the Championship.
Let us know your starting eleven for Leeds in the comments section below…
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