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Joe Donnohue

Marcelo Bielsa reinstates Raphinha to starting XI as Leeds United lose defenders vs Liverpool

Leeds United visit Anfield this evening, faced with the daunting task of halting Liverpool's surge towards the summit of the Premier League table.

The Reds can close the gap on league leaders Manchester City to three points with victory tonight, meaning Jurgen Klopp's side will be highly motivated against Leeds.

Klopp's men have won eight consecutive fixtures across all competitions and are unbeaten in 11 matches, highlighting the scale of Leeds' mission.

The Whites can take encouragement from the fact Norwich City - currently stationed below Leeds in the table - took the lead at Anfield last weekend, before eventually succumbing to a 3-1 defeat.

Liverpool are penetrable, but their wealth of attacking options remain fierce, even in the absence of Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino who will play no part this evening.

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and January addition Luis Diaz all start for the Reds.

For the visitors, Marcelo Bielsa has recalled Raphinha to his starting line-up after the Brazilian was left on the bench for the first half against Manchester United last weekend.

The 25-year-old scored his ninth league goal of the season minutes after being introduced at the break to level the scores at Elland Road.

Adam Forshaw retains his place in the side, and will be expected to carry out the defensive midfield function in Marcelo Bielsa's line-up tonight.

He replaces the injured Robin Koch who misses out due to concussion protocols.

Raphinha of Leeds United warms up whilst wearing a 'HerGameToo: Campaign Against Sexism In Football' t-shirt prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on February 20, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by ) (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

This week still appears to be too soon for the return of Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford to a matchday squad, meaning several U23 players fill out the substitutes' bench, including Joe Gelhardt.

The young striker, hailing from Merseyside, was introduced at half-time last weekend along with Raphinha which has prompted some supporters to call for him to be in from the start tonight.

Diego Llorente is also an absentee this evening, having been substituted at the break against Manchester United.

Here is the Leeds United starting XI and substitutes to face Liverpool.

Leeds XI: Meslier; Dallas, Ayling, Struijk, Firpo; Forshaw, Rodrigo, Klich; Harrison, Raphinha, James

Substitutes: Klaesson, Cresswell, Kenneh, Bate, Roberts, Summerville, Gelhardt, Shackleton, McCarron

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