Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa had a perfect start to their season when they comfortably beat Stoke City 3-1 at the Elland Road. They now travel to Derby to face Frank Lampard’s Derby County, who got off to a winning start, scoring the winner in added time.
It will be a proper test for Leeds in their quest to secure Premier League promotion next season. Bielsa would ideally want to field the same eleven which thrived in the high-intensity football last Sunday.
The Argentine has gone away from his usual 3-3-1-3 and started with a 4-1-4-1 formation to offer more strength at the back. That should continue this weekend.
Peacock-Farrell did not have to do too much against Stoke City and should continue to be the number one for Leeds United.
Ayling should start at right-back. Expect more attacking runs from him to support the forward line.
Berardi is a full-back but thrived playing in central defence. He looked comfortable against Stoke, however, Derby will be a different test.
Cooper wasn’t convincing until last season but he played very well on Sunday and got a goal to further boost his confidence.
Bought from Wolves to add set-piece danger and devilish crossing from wide areas. Bielsa witnessed that in abundance from the left-back.
Phillips performed well in that lone defensive midfield role, shielding the back-line. He has to improve his passing though, which is a necessity under Bielsa.
Saiz was instrumental in the midfield, covering the ground, making accurate passes and possessing the game awareness when required. He really looked a part of the team from the No.8 position.
Klich was another player who was decent alongside Saiz in central midfield. Expect him to keep his place for this game too.
The technical maestro from wide areas and a good crosser into the box, Hernandez will be key to Leeds’ attack this season.
Alioski struggled to impact much last Sunday but deserves another chance to prove his worth.
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Roofe played a typical false nine role last game, pressing high and working for the team rather than just staying in the box. This would have pleased Bielsa and the Argentine will want more of these from the striker.
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