90min

Leeds predicted lineup vs Newcastle - Premier League

By Jamie Spencer

Leeds are looking for a first Premier League win of the season
Leeds are looking for a first Premier League win of the season / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
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Leeds have had a difficult start to the season that has so far failed to yield a Premier League win, but they will be hoping to change that with a trip to Newcastle on Friday night.

Marcelo Bielsa has watched his both create plenty of chances in their four games so far and leak a lot of goal at the other end – only Newcastle have conceded more in the Premier League.

That suggests there should be goals in this one. Leeds just have to take their chances.

Here’s a look at the starting XI the boss could pick…

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Luke Ayling
Luke Ayling could move into the centre of defence / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Ilan Meslier (GK): Has made good saves so far this season but is yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet.

Stuart Dallas (RB): Versatility will once more be an asset as injuries and suspensions at the back have spread thin the options Bielsa has.

Luke Ayling (CB): The suspension of Pascal Struijk and the injury absences of Robin Koch and Diego Llorente could see the usual starting right-back move into the centre.

Liam Cooper CB): Will need to be on his game as a leader because usually when Ayling plays centre-back it is as part of a three.

Junior Firpo (LB): Hasn’t had the easiest ride since arriving from Barcelona but completed his first 90 minutes in the Premier League last time out against Liverpool.

2. Midfielders

Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips will have to plug the holes in midfield / Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Kalvin Phillips (CM): In what could be a frenetic game, especially in midfield, the England star needs to be at his best to help Leeds stay in control.

Mateusz Klich (CM): Returned to the bench against Liverpool after missing out altogether against Burnley at the end of August and could be back in the starting XI here.

Rodrigo (CM): Could have given Leeds an early lead against Liverpool last weekend but saw his effort saved. Has only made it past half-time in one of his three league starts this season.

3. Forwards

Virgil van Dijk, Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford impressed against Liverpool but lacked service / Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Raphinha (RW): Has to be a source of creativity on the right flank as there will likely be plenty of space to exploit as Newcastle have the leakiest defence in the Premier League.

Patrick Bamford (ST): Rescued Leeds a late point against Burnley in their last away game and will be hoping to add to that goal tally in this one.

Jack Harrison (LW): Continues to be an automatic starter for Bielsa but will know that his place is under threat from summer signing Daniel James if he cannot deliver.

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