The Leeds United lineup that should start against Newcastle
By Mitch Wilks
Leeds United can move to within a point of 11th-placed Arsenal when they visit Newcastle on Tuesday evening.
Marcelo Bielsa's side have suffered a dip in form but still sit firmly in the middle of the Premier League table and look set for an impressive finish in their return to the top flight.
Leeds are winless in their last three and bowed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Crawley Town. But with a solid 10 days of rest in the tank, the Whites are well equipped to head up to the north east and get back to winning ways.
Here's how they could set up in search of three points against a struggling Newcastle side.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Illan Meslier (GK) - Meslier has returned to training for Leeds and will no doubt reclaim his spot in the starting XI ahead of Kiko Casilla.
Luke Ayling (RB) - Ayling returns to his more comfortable role at full back with Leeds now having more defensive options to choose from.
Diego Llorente (CB) - Leeds' summer signing is back in the fold following a lengthy injury and will be key to shoring up a shaky defence.
Liam Cooper (CB) - Cooper will sit alongside Llorente, retaining his place in the side.
Stuart Dallas (LB) - With Ayling back on the right, Stuart Dallas will head over to his more familiar left flank.
2. Midfielders
Kalvin Phillips (DM) - He missed out in the defeat against Brighton, but Phillips is back from suspension and thus back in the XI.
Raphinha (RM) - The 24-year-old has been impressive for the Whites since signing in October.
Rodrigo (CM) - Rodrigo has struggled when he's played out of position and hasn't quite hit the heights that reflect the club record fee he signed for, but will keep his spot for lack of a better replacement.
Mateusz Klich (CM) - Leeds' utility man thrives in the combative role that Bielsa deploys him in.
Jack Harrison (LM) - Seven goal contributions in the league this season has been impressive for Harrison, who looks a threat with every touch of the ball on either flank.
3. Forward
Patrick Bamford (ST) - Nobody quite expected the 27-year-old to find his feet in the Premier League, but his 10 league goals so far are keeping the doubters quiet.