Leeds United will take on Cagliari at Elland Road on Sunday evening in their final friendly before the Premier League gets underway next week. This weekend’s clash will be the fifth time Jesse Marsch has seen his side in action this summer and he’ll be keen to see a strong performance that builds on the work done during the club’s tour of Australia earlier this month.
Leeds have already beaten Blackpool and Brisbane Roar this summer, while they have lost to Aston Villa and drawn against Crystal Palace, but another win would certainly send the club into the new campaign with bags of confidence. Marsch is expected to name something close to his strongest XI against the Serie B side and supporters will get a glimpse of some of the club’s new signings.
Here’s how we expected United to line-up on Sunday.
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Illan Meslier has been in fine form this summer and he’ll almost certainly be the man named between the sticks for the club’s first game at Elland Road since last season. The France under-21 international is considered to be one of the brightest young goalkeepers in world football and he’ll be keen to start the season well and make progress this year.
Rasmus Kristensen will make his first appearance in West Yorkshire since joining the club over the summer and with question marks regarding Liam Cooper’s fitness, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch are expected to start together in the middle of defence once more. One of the biggest decisions Marsch has to make comes at left-back, with the club currently without a healthy option on that side of defence.
Jack Harrison and Leo Hjelde both spent time in the position on the club’s tour Down Under, but Pascal Struijk appears to be the man leading the race to play there at present and he could be given the nod this weekend. Fans can expect to see Marc Roca and Tyler Adams partner each other in the middle of the field for the first time on home soil and there’ll be high hopes for the pair of them.
Following the injury to Luis Sinisterra last week in Perth, Brenden Aaronson moved out to the right flank, with Rodrigo being deployed in the pocket and that move appeared to provide an insight into Marsch’s thinking. Supporters can expect to see something similar against Cagliari this week, with Harrison being the obvious choice on the left.
Patrick Bamford will likely play extended minutes, too, as he continues to work his way back towards his best. The striker struggled for fitness last season and while it’s important not to push him, he could do with all the match practice he can get at this stage.
Expect the likes of Dan James, who is suspended for the opening game, Joe Gelhardt, Crysencio Summerville and Sam Greenwood to feature off the bench.
Predicted Leeds United XI to face Cagliari: Illan Meslier; Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Pascal Struijk; Marc Roca, Tyler Adams; Brenden Aaronson, Rodrigo, Jack Harrison; Patrick Bamford
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