The Leeds United Lineup That Should Start Against Manchester City
By Charlie Stewart
Leeds United welcome Manchester City to Elland Road on Saturday, hoping to continue their positive start to the new campaign.
After coming home empty handed from an opening day thriller at Anfield, Marcelo Bielsa's men have won their last two games against Fulham and Sheffield United. A win this weekend could take them into the top four depending on other results.
However, to do so, they must overcome one of the most feared sides in the division. Pep Guardiola's side may have been badly wounded by Leicester on Sunday, but they'll be looking to bounce back this weekend.
Here is the starting XI that Bielsa could name to face Man City.
1. Goalkeeper and Defenders
Illan Meslier (GK) - The young Frenchman was outstanding against Sheffield United, pulling off brilliant stops from John Lundstram and George Baldock.
Luke Ayling (RB) - Ayling has been a regular in the Leeds United team since signing in 2016, so expect him to keep his place.
Liam Cooper (CB) - New signing Diego Llorente has put Cooper's place under threat, but the clean sheet last weekend may keep him in the side.
Robin Koch (CB) - After a rough start against Liverpool, the German has made a solid recovery and will likely start once again.
Stuart Dallas (LB) - The Northern Ireland international is seven games off his 200th appearance for Leeds.
2. Midfielders
Kalvin Phillips (CM) - The 'Yorkshire Pirlo' was called up for the England squad again this week, so will be in high spirits.
Mateusz Klich (CM) - Klich's next outing will be his 100th league appearance for the Yorkshire club.
Helder Costa (RM) - The 26-year-old scored a brace in his last home fixture against Fulham, and will be hoping for more of the same.
Tyler Roberts (CM) - In Pablo Hernandez's absence, young Wales international Tyler Roberts will probably step into the attacking midfield role again.
Ezgjan Alioski (LM) - Jack Harrison is ineligible to play against his parent club, so Macedonian winger Ezgjan Alioski could make his first Premier League start.
3. Forward
Patrick Bamford (ST) - With three goals in as many games, Bamford is silencing the critics and keeping Spain international Rodrigo Moreno out of the side.