90min

Leeds United predicted lineup vs Norwich City - Premier League

By Grey Whitebloom

Jesse Marsch has lost his first two matches as Leeds manager
Jesse Marsch has lost his first two matches as Leeds manager / MB Media/GettyImages
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Leeds United host fellow Premier League strugglers Norwich City on Sunday afternoon.

The Yorkshire outfit haven't scored a goal in four consecutive Premier League matches, equalling Leeds' longest drought in the competition's history which the club endured halfway through the 1994/95 campaign.

Here's the XI Jesse Marsch may deploy to bring their six-plus goalless hours to an abrupt conclusion.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Illan Meslier (GK) - Leeds' overworked number one hasn't missed a league game since he was dropped to the bench for the final two fixtures of the 2020/21 campaign.

Luke Ayling (RB) - Following the injury Junior Firpo picked up in midweek, Ayling may be restored to his natural right-back slot in a defensive rejig.

Diego Llorente (CB) - The 28-year-old could be in line for his first appearance of the month due to the fitness concerns of his teammates following a return from injury himself.

Pascal Struijk (CB) - The Dutch youngster didn't pull any punches when he cited a lack of team spirit following Thursday's convincing defeat at home to Aston Villa.

Stuart Dallas (LB) - The only member of the Leeds squad who has appeared in every Premier League game the club has contested since promotion.

2. Midfielders

Robin Koch (CM) - Last season Koch only started two Premier League games in midfield compared to 12 at centre-back. This term the roles have been reversed with only a pair of appearances in Leeds' back four so far.

Adam Forshaw (CM) - Since penning a one-year contract extension in mid-January, Forshaw has lost six of his eight appearances for the club.

Rodrigo (AM) - The converted forward is threatening to accrue more yellow cards (currently on seven) than goals (three) in a season for just the second time this decade.

3. Forwards

Raphinha (RW) - No one has taken more shots or created more chances for Leeds than the Brazilian attacking hub who has rattled off at least 20 more than any teammate in each category.

Dan James (ST) - The sight of Patrick Bamford - however rusty - taking to the Elland Road turf again will have been encouraging, but Marsch may turn to James once more for fear of overworking the recently returned striker.

Jack Harrison (LW) - The former New York City FC forward scored twice against a New York Red Bulls team managed by his current boss Marsch.

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