Jesse Marsch has named something close to what he feels is his strongest Leeds United side this afternoon to face Aston Villa. The Whites have the opportunity to move back into the top half of the table with three points today after going 29 days without a Premier League fixture.
Rodrigo is the headline name returning to the side this afternoon with the striker being fit enough to make his first start since dislocating his shoulder against Everton last time out at Elland Road. He gets the nod ahead of Patrick Bamford and leads the line with Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra operating behind him.
Liam Cooper also returns to the starting XI as he makes his first Premier League appearance of the campaign. The skipper replaces Diego Llorente in the side, who underperformed last time out at Brentford.
Read more: Leeds United vs Aston Villa LIVE - Updates from Elland Road
Rasmus Kristensen regains his spot at right-back, keeping the returning Luke Ayling at bay. Joe Gelhardt, who misses out altogether despite a late fitness test, and Cody Drameh are the other two to drop out of Marsch’s line-up.
Wilfried Gnonto could make his debut for the Whites today after being named on the bench by the head coach.
Leeds: Illan Meslier; Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk; Marc Roca, Tyler Adams; Jack Harrison, Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra; Rodrigo.
Bench: Krisoffer Klaesson, Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Junior Firpo, Sam Greenwood, Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville, Mateusz Klich, Patrick Bamford
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