90min

The Leeds United Lineup That Should Start Against Fulham

By Adam McGroarty

Leeds fell to a 4-3 defeat at Anfield on the opening day
Leeds fell to a 4-3 defeat at Anfield on the opening day / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
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Leeds United will be looking to kick-start their campaign with three points against Fulham on Saturday in the Premier League following back-to-back defeats.

Marcelo Bielsa's side went head-to-head with champions Liverpool at Anfield in their return to England's top flight, but a late Mohamed Salah penalty sent the visitors back to Elland Road empty handed.

Hull City also got the better of Leeds in a recent Carabao Cup fixture, with all eyes now firmly fixed on Scott Parker's Fulham.

The Cottagers were promoted via the Sky Bet Championship playoffs last season, but Leeds ran out 3-0 winners when the two sides previously met back in June.

Here's the starting lineup Bielsa should go for.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Leeds took the decision to make Ilian Meslier's loan permanent
Leeds took the decision to make Ilian Meslier's loan permanent / PHIL NOBLE/Getty Images

Ilian Meslier (GK) - After joining on a season-long loan deal in 2019, Leeds signed the 20-year-old on a permanent transfer this summer. Meslier looks set to be Bielsa's first choice goalkeeper after starting against Liverpool.

Luke Ayling (RB) - The right back has been an integral part of Leeds' defence since joining in 2016. Ayling enjoyed a career-best season in the previous campaign with four goals and five assists.

Liam Cooper (CB) - Leeds' captain was absent for the opening fixture against Liverpool but could be set for an immediate return into the starting line-up at the expense of new arrival Robin Koch. Cooper remains a doubt for the game, however.

Pascal Struijk (CB) - It's a tough call to see who will make way for the returning Cooper, but Struijk certainly had the better game against Liverpool compared to Koch.

Stuart Dallas (LB) - Like Ayling, the Northern Irishman has been an important part of Leeds' backline since his arrival from Brentford in 2015. Dallas featured 45 times for Leeds last season.

2. Midfielders

Kalvin Phillips recently made his senior England debut against Denmark
Kalvin Phillips recently made his senior England debut against Denmark / Michael Regan/Getty Images

Kalvin Phillips (CDM) - Also known as 'the Yorkshire Pirlo', Phillips' impressive campaign which helped Leeds get promotion to England's top flight earned the midfielder his first senior England call-up.

Mateusz Klich (CM) - After making 45 appearances in the previous campaign, Klich remains an important part of Leeds' midfield, even at the age of 30. The Poland international also scored against Liverpool.

Pablo Hernandez (CM) - Nine goals and as many assists for the 35-year-old last season show just how vital he is to Bielsa's side. Hernandez is the main creative spark which the attacking trio feed off.

3. Forwards

Patrick Bamford was on the scoresheet against Liverpool
Patrick Bamford was on the scoresheet against Liverpool / Pool/Getty Images

Helder Costa (RW) - Another player Leeds chose to keep at the club following a successful loan spell, Costa was signed by the Yorkshire side in the summer for around £15m from Wolves.

Patrick Bamford (ST) - Bamford responded to critics who claim he can't cut it in the Premier League with a goal against the champions Liverpool. The Englishman now has fierce competition through summer signing Rodrigo.

Jack Harrison (LW) - After a successful loan spell with Leeds last season, the club opted to sign the winger in a second loan spell from Manchester City. Harrison was on the scoresheet on the opening day against Liverpool.