Leeds United kick-off their Premier League campaign on Saturday when they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Elland Road. Changes have come under Jesse Marsch this summer and this weekend’s starting XI could look very different to the one that ended the campaign at Brentford in May.
With that in mind, we have tasked our Leeds United writers Beren Cross and William Jackson with selecting their starting line-ups.
Beren Cross
Seven first-team faces are missing for Leeds United on Saturday and even after a summer of recruitment, Jesse Marsch’s Premier League XI pretty much picks itself. Even with my own line-up, you’re really having to throw a curveball in to get away from what the American is likely to go with.
TAKE PART: Squad concerns, new arrivals, Jesse Marsch approval - 'The Big Leeds United Forum'
Sunday’s thrashing of Cagliari only further confirmed that’s the side Marsch should go with as Wolves roll into town. Even the best of those set for the bench have a core player standing in their way.
Cody Drameh’s stock is high, but Rasmus Kristensen had a stormer on Sunday. Sam Greenwood has caught the eye, but Rodrigo looked like something approaching a record signing at the weekend, while Joe Gelhardt has a fit and firing England international ahead of him.
If you wanted to shoehorn Gelhardt in you could tinker with the formation, drop Rodrigo out and play two strikers. Why would you do that after a 6-2 friendly win though? Why would you do that with Rodrigo’s confidence sky high?
Beren’s XI: Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Llorente, Struijk; Adams, Roca; Aaronson, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford.
William Jackson
It was only a friendly, but after Sunday’s thumping win over Cagliari at Elland Road, it’s hard to see Jesse Marsch making too many changes to the side for the start of the Premier League campaign. The Whites proved their fitness by playing 90 minutes and they excelled in their final run-out, albeit against subpar opposition.
Wolves will provide a sterner test, but for the most part I believe Marsch’s starting XI picks itself this week. Fans can expect to see a back four of Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk lining up in front of Illan Meslier.
Kristensen looks a strong addition at right-back, while Struijk looks likely to get the nod over Leo Hjelde at left-back. Tyler Adams and Marc Roca have been signed to play alongside each other and they’ll be the chosen two in the middle of the park, with both players set to make a competitive debut in a Leeds shirt.
With Dan James suspended, the choices look fairly straightforward in advanced areas, too, with Jack Harrison a certainty to get the nod on the left, while Brenden Aaronson and Rodrigo played so well in their respective roles against the Serie B side on Sunday. Joe Gelhardt may be the choice for some up front, but Patrick Bamford looks ready to leave last season’s injury woes behind him and rediscover his best form in a Leeds shirt.
The striker scored twice last time out and that should give supporters confidence he can lead the line effectively on Saturday. Gelhardt is a likely option off the bench, while the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Sam Greenwood could be seen as substitutes too.
William’s XI: Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Llorente, Struijk; Adams, Roca; Aaronson, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford.
Now select your XI...
READ NEXT
Jesse Marsch maps out next Leeds United addition after Andrea Radrizzani transfer talks
Jesse Marsch provides Leeds United injury latest as Liam Cooper ruled out of Wolves clash
Jesse Marsch details Dani van den Heuvel recovery after Leeds United star's 'worrying' car crash
Leeds United's Lewis Bate sets loan target after leaving Elland Road for League One
Leeds United transfer news LIVE: Bate exit confirmed with Che Adams and Arnaud Kalimuendo latest
Leeds United have had a dressing room wake-up call from Jesse Marsch ahead of Wolves
