Tomorrow is a very tricky encounter for Marcelo Bielsa to navigate. The fact that Middlesbrough will arrive at Elland Road on Friday rather than Saturday makes thinks awkward. A small squad and a Preston side who, despite a couple of dodgy results, will be physical and hard to break down.
Potential XI
GK – Jamal Blackman – There will be little doubt when Bielsa picks this side that Blackman will be playing. The keeper must be wondering if he’s blown the chance for first-team football though, because there is alos little doubt he expected to be first choice.
RB – Jamie Shackleton – Very much in the plans this season and will almost certainly be starting again tomorrow. Impressed on his full debut at Swansea in difficult conditions.
CB – Conor Shaughnessy – The young Irish defender is going to have to play a part for me. He’s been left out of the under 23’s tonight and we can’t have Berardi playing again, or Ayling really. Ayling may actually be the one to start though, if Jansson isn’t risked.
CB – Pontus Jansson – The difference between Jansson and the others is that Jansson hasn’t played much at all. He’s played two full games, with a gap in between. The minutes should do him good.
LB – Tom Pearce – Inevitable that he will start tomorrow. Is going to have to be patient in the coming season but will get chances. Has been on the bench for the last couple of games. A good chance for him to impress.
DM – Kalvin Phillips – Phillips trained for an extra week at Thorp Arch before everyone else, that’s my only thought as to why he can last another 90 minutes. He didn’t play much of the Swansea game either but in an ideal world he would be rested ahead of Friday.
CM – Stuart Dallas – As far as we know he’s fit again and we need an engine in the middle. Saiz surely won’t play which means Baker can push into the advanced role. Dallas is more than capable of doing this for a game, Klich needs to be protected before a big game Friday.
CAM – Lewis Baker – Leeds are chasing an attacking midfielder from the Premier League to cover Saiz according to Phil Hay. As it stands Baker is the back-up, or even Hernandez and play Harrison wide. But Hernandez needs a rest tomorrow, Baker can do this job.
RW – Tyler Roberts – Had a bit of an off-day in the last League Cup game but tomorrow should represent his next chance. A player with so much potential.
LW – Jack Harrison – He’s impressed me when he has been given a chance. Very direct but can also drift in and out of the game. Needs that one moment to kick his career at Leeds off, a goal or an assist.
ST – Patrick Bamford – Given bits and pieces in terms of chances so far but has impressed when it mattered. Another big chance tomorrow because we may need him on Friday night against his old club. Off the bench to grab winner?
