Leeds United are set to conclude their pre-season calendar with a clash against Serie B side Cagliari at Elland Road. Jesse Marsch has handed minutes out to several members of his squad across the four friendlies so far, which has conjured up wins against Blackpool and Brisbane Roar, a draw with Crystal Palace and a defeat to Aston Villa.
While pre-season is all about getting minutes into the legs of every player, Sunday’s tie with Cagliari should be used by Marsch to select the side that will line up six days later in the Premier League opener with Wolves.
With the influx of new players into the squad, there has not yet been enough time for established relationships to be built on the pitch and Sunday, therefore, is the final chance to do so without the pressure of a league match.
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So, with that in mind, here is a look at the XI Marsch could choose on Sunday with the Wolves match now very much in his thinking.
Goalkeeper – Illan Meslier
Not much else needs saying here – Illan Meslier will be Leeds’ starting goalkeeper providing there are no injuries.
Defence – Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk, Leo Hjelde
Defence is certainly a little more up for grabs, though Rasmus Kristensen and Robin Koch appear to be Marsch’s first choice on the right side of the four. Koch has started all of Leeds’ pre-season matches as the right centre-back, leaving Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk to fight it out to partner him.
Liam Cooper has played no part in pre-season so far due to injury, and to aid the balance of the side, Struijk should be given the nod ahead of Llorente at left centre back. The Dutchman has also featured at left-back throughout the summer, but both he and Jack Harrison have looked uncomfortable there, meaning Leo Hjelde should get the nod.
Defensive midfield – Tyler Adams, Marc Roca
In similar fashion to the goalkeeper position, the two centre midfielders pretty much pick themselves. The early signs are that this could be a decent partnership for Leeds this season.
Attacking midfield – Brenden Aaronson, Joe Gelhardt, Jack Harrison
With Luis Sinisterra injured, there is arguably just one spot up for grabs behind the striker ahead of the season. Brenden Aaronson and Harrison seem guaranteed starters, leaving Rodrigo Moreno, Joe Gelhardt, Daniel James and Sam Greenwood to fight it out for the last position.
Based on performances, and while not his favoured position, Gelhardt should be the one who is given the nod. Not only will he provide the biggest goal threat, but he will also hand Marsch the flexibility to change to a two up front if required.
Striker – Patrick Bamford
While understandably not at his sharpest during pre-season, Patrick Bamford is set to lead the line. Incidentally, his last competitive appearance for the club came against Wolves back in March.
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