Marcelo Bielsa has decided to stick rather than twist and you can’t blame him. His side have sent Stoke packing before dispatching Derby County in emphatic fashion. Patrick Bamford and Pontus Jansson stay on the bench despite impressing in the week and that means the bench is putting pressure on those on the park.
Leeds XI
GK – Baily Peacock-Farrell – 1 – The keeper situation was intensified in the week as Jamal Blackman got his chance under Marcelo Bielsa. It would have had to have been very impressive to take Peacock-Farrell’s place.
RB – Luke Ayling – 2 – Ayling keeps his place after captaining the side during the week. Himself and Barry Douglas will be so important this afternoon. Hernandez and Alioksi may have to go inside to find room, leaving Ayling and Douglas to get down the sides.
CB – Gaetano Berardi – 28 – Berardi has gone under the radar this season, partnering Liam Cooper and performing extremely well. Some have said he looks out of place but for me he looks more natural at centre-back.
CB – Liam Cooper – 6 – Cooper was one of the players questioned during the summer but so far so good. Hasn’t put a foot wrong since the season started and keeps his place again. Captains the side.
LB – Barry Douglas – 3 – Douglas has impressed massively since his arrival from Wolves. At £3 million he looks to be the bargain of the season already. Like Ayling he needs to bomb on today.
DM – Kalvin Phillips – 23 – Has been key so far this season, played every minute of all three games. He’ll have to stop any counter attacks that come our way today.
CM – Mateusz Klich – 43 – The key role in this team. Was played by Lewis Baker on Tuesday and he struggled to make that link, Klich has nailed it so far. Would love to see him break into the box as much as possible.
CAM – Samu Saiz – 14 – Has looked back to his best, grabbed a goal against Bolton Wanderers in the week and will be so important in unlocking Rotherham today.
RW – Pablo Hernandez – 19 – This is the player who could be the one today, if Rotherham pack out the midfield it will be up to him and Saiz to find the pass. Been outstanding so far.
LW – Gjanni Alioski – 10 – Has been like a new player under Marcelo Bielsa. If he can keep it up he’ll be a huge threat down the left.
ST – Kemar Roofe – 7 – Not much you can say about him so far. Been brilliant, got his goals and has two man of the match awards.