Marcelo Bielsa is on a roll. One of the most engaging and fascinating press conferences in the history of Leeds United and perhaps even English football yesterday followed by the standard pre-game presser today. Today wasn’t without interest, Bielsa proceeded to announce his team for the Stoke trip on Saturday.
Leeds United XI to play Stoke City
GK – Baily Peacock-Farrell – The arrival of Kiko Casilla probably means the time for the young keeper is over for the time being but he won’t be dropped until Marcelo Bielsa feels Casilla is ready and Peacock-Farrell isn’t playing well.
RB – Luke Ayling – Had his best game since his return against Derby and he will be the one rallying the other players when it comes to SpyGate.
CB – Pontus Jansson – If we are to keep this promotion challenge up he is probably the most important player in the side. Will need to be on top of his game at Stoke.
CB – Liam Cooper – Returned with a top performance against Derby and he’s such an important player this season. The team looks much more solid with him in it, a turnaround this season.
LB – Gjanni Alioski – Had the best game of his Leeds career against derby County on Friday. Since the festive period he has been the best player in a Leeds shirt.
DM – Adam Forshaw – Talking of players who had their best game in a Leeds shirt that also goes for Adam Forshaw. No doubting how good he can be.
CM – Mateusz Klich – Looked like he had the legs back on Friday after a well deserved rest.
RW – Jack Harrison – Played well against Derby and with a winger on the to-do list for Marcelo Bielsa he needs to show why he should be keeping his place.
LW – Jack Clarke – Crystal Palace have asked about his availability, Leeds have said no. It needs to stay like that.
CAM – Pablo Hernandez – Such an important player in this game. Stoke are rigid and he can float between the lines.
ST – Kemar Roofe – Ran Stoke ragged on the first game of the season and can do it again tomorrow. They won’t like his movement.
