Bielsa to make 7 changes – Predicted 4-3-3 Leeds XI to face Preston North End

Predicted Leeds United line-up to face Preston North End in EFL Cup

Leeds United have been just sensational in their league campaign thus far and are deserving leaders of the table. Marcelo Bielsa has done a phenomenal job to make his team play in a way he wants to.

However, the Argentine would be keen to make a few changes for their League Cup tie at home to Preston North End, a team who are languishing at 20th place. For the Peacocks, we might see a similar line-up that took the field against Bolton in the last round.

Team News

Liam Cooper is still not fit enough to take part in this midweek fixture, while Stuart Dallas remains an absentee, though he is back in light first-team training after a long time.

Probable Leeds United XI

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa

Formation: 4-3-3

Jamal Blackman (GK)

With Peacock-Farrell expected to get a rest, Chelsea loanee Blackman should get another chance to impress the manager.

Jamie Shackleton (RB)

Shackleton may get his opportunity to play at right-back, with Luke Ayling expected to get a game off.

Pontus Jansson (CB)

The Swedish international was solid in the weekend game after coming back from a long-term injury. He should play this tie to gain more minutes under his belt.

Gaetano Berardi (CB)

Berardi has done well to adapt to his new role and may get a chance to create a partnership with Jansson at the heart of Leeds defence.

Tom Pearce (LB)

Barry Douglas has done a lot of running in the league games, and deserves a midweek off. So Tom Pearce could get his chance to show his worth.

Kalvin Phillips (CM)

Phillips has been up and down in terms of his performance level, playing an anchor role. Bielsa might give him more chances as Leeds are short of options in that department.

Lewis Baker (CM)

The Chelsea loanee should get his opportunity to impress everyone, playing in the midfield. Expect Samuel Saiz to get a rest for this game.

Mateusz Klich (CM)

The Pole didn’t feature in the last round, and Saiz did, so we may see the other way around on Tuesday.

Jack Harrison (RW)

Pablo Hernandez has been terrific for Leeds at right-wing, but playing him for this game might be a risk as the Spaniard does a lot of running. So, this would be Harrison’s chance to impress.

Tyler Roberts (LW)

Roberts is still a young player who is learning his trade, Bielsa giving him games in this competition would be the right way to go.

Read More: Opinion: Marcelo Bielsa needs to strengthen Leeds United further to continue challenging on all fronts

Patrick Bamford (ST)

Kemar Roofe deserves a rest for this game, and the Peacocks have an able replacement in Patrick Bamford, who can slot into the striker role with aplomb.