The Leeds United Lineup That Should Start Against Crystal Palace
After a thrashing at the start of the week, Leeds United have a chance to bounce back when they travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Marcelo Bielsa watched his side miss big chances against Leicester on Monday as they fell to a 4-1 defeat but the performance wasn't the worst. As they look to avoid back-to-back defeats and get back into the win column, this is how we at 90min believe Leeds should lineup.
1. Goalkeeper and Defenders
Illan Meslier (GK): The young Frenchman has solidified his role as Leeds' number one this season with a number of good performances. He looked shaky against Leicester and his distribution wasn't the best, but Bielsa will almost certainly back him.
Luke Ayling (RB): Ayling continued in his attacking full-back role last time out but was outclassed by Harvey Barnes.
Robin Koch (CB): Despite a shocking performance last time out against Leicester, Koch has done well this season. He's very good in the air and comfortable on the ball, but physically he has struggled with the demands of the Premier League. He has played every minute of every league game so far this season though, and that's unlikely to change here.
Liam Cooper (CB): Strong in the air and comfortable playing out from the back, Cooper has been strong in Leeds' most recent performances. His experience has seen him lead the back line, and the captain should start once again.
Stuart Dallas (LB): Dallas got his first goal of the season in the defeat to Leicester but his overall performances have been top drawer this season. He has been a driving force in the Leeds attack, but defensively those runs up the flank have often left his side open to be attacked. He needs to find a balance, but he's a guaranteed starter.
2. Midfielders
Pascal Strujik (DM): A natural centre-back, Strujik was moved into the holding midfield role following injury to Kalvin Phillips. Defensively he has slotted in seamlessly but as expected, he's struggled to live up to the standards of Phillips when progressing play. He missed the loss to Leicester but should come straight back in for this one.
Helder Costa (RM): A tricky winger on the right flank, Costa has been one of the better attacking performers this season for Leeds. With two goals and two assists in seven games so far, Costa's performances have been key to his team's goalscoring threat and he has cemented his role as the first-choice winger.
Mateusz Klich (CM): A defensive midfielder with box-to-box capabilities, Klich has had an okay start to the season. Defensively, he hasn't been the brute force that he was in the Championship but he has two goals and two assists. Contribution is contribution though so he will continue to play.
Pablo Hernandez (CM): The dainty veteran has come into the side and looked to be the lead playmaker so far, but is yet to make a real impact on the side. His passing ability and intelligence make him a good fit for Bielsa's plans, but he has struggled physically.
Jack Harrison (LM): On loan from Manchester City, Harrison has continued to be a key part of this Leeds attack. His directness, pace and excellent first touch have got him in his favoured position and performing to a Premier League level. Along with Costa, he is the main link between midfield and attack and he is capable of causing plenty of problems.
3. Forward
Patrick Bamford (ST): The former Chelsea man was criticised before the season even started, but has so far proved all his doubters wrong. With six Premier League goals so far this season, he has been the main man in front of goal to fire Leeds up to 12th in the league. He missed some big chances against Leicester though – a side of his game that has been...problematic in the past.
