The starting line-up will be a difficult one to predict with a number of contentious decisions for Jesse Marsch to ponder. The most obvious dilemma is who the Leeds United boss is going to select at left-back in the absence of Junior Firpo.
Firpo will miss the start of the season due to injury, while Leeds sold Leif Davis to League One side Ipswich Town. Therefore, Leeds are heading into the new season without a senior, recognised left-back, but Pascal Struijk has been named by supporters as the man to plug the gap.
Marsch has predominantly fielded a 4-2-3-1 during pre-season but supporters have called for a 4-4-2 system to be used. That would involve summer signing Brenden Aaronson playing on the right of a four-man midfield containing Marc Roca, Tyler Adams and Jack Harrison.
Rodrigo’s hat-trick in the 6-2 thrashing of Cagliari in United’s final pre-season friendly has also catapulted him into contention. The Spaniard has scored just 13 times in 62 appearances across his two seasons for the Whites but finished pre-season with a flourish to be voted to partner Patrick Bamford.
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Illan Meslier has inevitably been selected to play between the sticks. The young Frenchman showcased his immense quality during pre-season with a spectacular double save to thwart Philippe Coutinho from the spot in United’s defeat against Aston Villa in July.
Rasmus Kristensen has clearly impressed his new fan base during pre-season with a string of high quality performances. The Dane exudes passion and determination and his quality both defensively and offensively is likely to be a key asset for Leeds this term.
Robin Koch and Diego Llorente have been selected as the central defensive pair. Koch, in particular, will be looking to shine for Leeds, after two seasons in England that have been marred by injury.
Leeds United Fan XI: Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Llorente, Struijk; Aaronson, Roca, Adams, Harrison; Bamford, Rodrigo.
