What will Leeds' starting line-up be against Everton?
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It has been confirmed that Leeds United will be continuing with Michael Skubala in the dugout on a temporary basis, following a failed move for Rayo Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola. Skubala has overseen Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford and then 2-0 defeat to The Red Devils at home a few days later.
Ilan Meslier has become a Premier League stalwart for the Yorkshire club, following promotion in 2020, and he should retain his place in goal for a defence that has conceded 38 goals. Only the bottom two, AFC Bournemouth and Southampton, have conceded more.
Stuart Dallas’ long-term injury has meant that Leeds lack a versatility at the back, as well the added dynamism that the Northern Irishman provides. Dallas is definitely not going to feature and their captain, Liam Cooper, is now a serious doubt for the massive clash at Goodison Park this weekend. The Scotsman has been prone to injuries throughout Leeds’ latest stint in the top-flight.
January signing Max Wober is expected to start alongside German international Robin Koch in the heart of their defence with Luke Ayling, fresh off the back of signing a contract extension this week, likely to be the stand-in captain at right-back. Pascal Struijk is expected to start at left-back.
Marc Roca’s participation is in doubt due to injury so Wober’s fellow new arrival, Weston McKennie, should continue to form a partnership with his impressive compatriot and USMNT teammate Tyler Adams. Those two form a midfield base for three of Leeds’ plethora of attacking options behind the striker.
With both Luis Sinisterra and Rodrigo missing out due to injury, it is expected that Crysencio Summerville, Jack Harrison and arguably Leeds’ player of the season so far, Willy Gnonto, retain their places behind the striker.
The striker is expected to be Patrick Bamford with the Englishman returning to a bit of form in recent outings, keeping record signing from the January transfer window, Georginio Rutter, out of the starting eleven for the time being.
The likes of Archie Gray and Adam Forshaw remained sidelined, whilst Sonny Perkins, who scored for Leeds in the FA Cup third round against Cardiff last month, has returned to training.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier, Ayling, Koch, Wober, Struijk; McKennie, Adams; Summerville, Harrison, Gnonto; Bamford
UNAVAILABLE: Dallas (Injured), Gray (Injured), Forshaw (Fitness), Sinisterra (Injured), Rodrigo (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Cooper (Injured), Perkins (Fitness), Roca (Injured)
