The Leeds United Lineup That Should Start Against Everton
By Vayam Lahoti
Leeds United visit Everton in the Premier League on Saturday seeking a rare away victory at Goodison Park, having failed to win there in their last 12 attempts.
Marcelo Bielsa, who was nominated for The Best FIFA Men's Coach award earlier this week, admitted to feeling 'frustrated' by his side's inability to find a winner in last Sunday's 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal.
With trips to Chelsea and Manchester United looming, Leeds will be looking to turn a corner and find their early season form again.
1. Goalkeeper and Defenders
Illan Meslier (GK) - The young Frenchman has solidified his role as Leeds' number one with a number of good performances. He's kept three clean sheets so far this season and his distribution has improved of late as well.
Luke Ayling (RB) - Had a regular day at the office against his former employers last week and will keep his place on the right side of defence.
Robin Koch (CB) - Would've regained some confidence with the clean sheet against Arsenal after conceding six against Germany on international duty with Spain. Bar the game against Leicester, he's been very assured at the back this season and he'll keep his place at the heart of the defence.
Liam Cooper (CB) - Strong in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet, Cooper will lead the back line as captain.
Ezgjan Alioski (LB) - Worked tirelessly on the left flank and helped the attack by bombing forward on several occasions. A joy to watch when he's at this game and it'll be exciting to see how he fares against Carlo Ancelotti's 3-4-3 set-up.
2. Midfielders
Kalvin Phillips (DM) - Saw a lot of the ball against Arsenal and dictated Leeds' play. After surviving an injury scare, he should start as a sitter just in front of the defence.
Raphinha (RM) - Having broken into the side after a few cameos previously, he's been menacing in and around the box and almost scored a stunner against Arsenal last week. He's benched Helder Costa and he'll keep his place on the right wing.
Mateusz Klich (CM) - A defensive midfielder with box-to-box capabilities, Klich has had an okay-ish start to the season. Defensively, he hasn't nearly been the brute force that he was in the Championship, but he has two goals and two assists to his name.
Stuart Dallas (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 industrious passing and vision have made him a mainstay in Bielsa's side.
Jack Harrison (LM) - He was immense for the Whites against Arsenal, combining well with Alioski on the left side of the attack. He'll be a constant threat from out wide, but he's got a cheeky through ball in his locker as well.
3. Forward
Patrick Bamford (ST) - The former Chelsea man was criticised before the season even before the season kicked off, but has so far proved all his doubters wrong, with seven Premier League goals so far this season.