Leeds United welcome Crystal Palace to Elland Road for a late kick-off on Monday Night, which will conclude this weekend’s fixtures. The Whites fell short of a win against Everton last time out, a result which stopped them from recording three wins in a row.
The defeat against Everton also means that Marcelo Bielsa’s side has now lost 3 of their previous 5 games in the Premier League. This is a little bit of a concern for Marcelo Bielsa who would want to fix Leeds’ defensive woes. Bielsa’s side has let in 38 goals this season including 4 against this weekend’s opponents Crystal Palace. Those wrongs will have to be fixed, avoiding defensive errors and sloppy passing which cost Leeds 4 goals against Palace in the reverse fixture.
Leeds have never been shy of a fight however and they made that abundantly clear on the opening day of the season, coming from behind to equalize three times against Liverpool. Though Leeds ended up on the losing side but it gave everyone a taste of what the Yorkshire Club was bringing to the table. Both clubs sit 15 points above the relegation zone level on points with each other and just two places apart.
They do still have that game in hand over some of their teams around them, but it will be interesting to see how the season pans out for the hopeful Whites.
Leeds United Team News vs Crystal Palace:
The host will be without Rodrigo and Ian Poveda again for their home game against Crystal Palace. Forward Rodrigo is put through a muscle strain, while winger Poveda has some issue with his ankle, both are expected to be out for several weeks.
Marcelo Bielsa has no new injury concerns but is still without defenders Robin Koch, Diego Llorente.
Leeds United Predicted XI vs Crystal Palace:
Not having the luxury of picking his preferred center-backs has seen Marcelo Bielsa’s side concede unnecessary goals. Inexperienced Struijk has been a decent replacement but still doesn’t have the positioning of Koch.
A formational change would have suited Leeds better and would have helped the team cope better with injuries, but the Manager does not change his style of football for anyone. There are no compromises made in playing style and equal faith is put in every player.
GK: Meslier.
Defense: Ayling, Struijk, Cooper, Alioski.
Holding Midfielder: Kalvin Phillips.
Forwards: Raphinha, Dallas, Klich, Harrison.
Striker: Bamford.
