The Whites are without a number of important players, however that did not hinder them in their attempts to beat Real Sociedad in a mid-season friendly last weekend. Their Friday night victory came as something of a surprise given Leeds’ list of absentees and La Real’s current position: third in LaLiga.
Monaco sit sixth in France’s top flight and will pose a tough test, precisely what Marsch’s group are in need of after friendly wins over Preston North End behind closed doors, Elche and Real Sociedad. Manchester City will be Leeds’ next fixture, as the Premier League resumes, on December 28 meaning tonight’s friendly will be the last material opportunity for those still lacking match sharpness to convince Marsch they deserve to start at Elland Road in a week’s time.
Here is the YEP’s predicted Leeds United XI to face Monaco.
1. Joel Robles
Marsch may utilise both available goalkeepers again, as he did versus Real Sociedad last week. The American seems to prefer Robles to Klaesson but don't be surprised to see him change stoppers at half-time. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) Photo: David Rogers
2. Luke Ayling
Similarly, Marsch might opt for Luke Ayling as first half right-back, followed by Rasmus Kristensen in the second half. The Dane featured at the World Cup meanwhile Ayling is still regaining full match fitness (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
3. Robin Koch
Central defender Robin Koch missed last Friday's friendly win over La Real but if he is free of injury, Marsch will surely deploy him for some of tonight's fixture in order to be prepared for the visit of Mancheter City (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images) Photo: Harriet Lander
4. Liam Cooper
Club captain Cooper is a certainty to start in defence against Man City if he is fit, meaning he will likely play the full 90 against Monaco (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
5. Leeds United's Spanish defender Junior Firpo (L) vies with Leicester City's Belgian defender Timothy Castagne (R) during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Leeds United at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on October 20, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Geoff Caddick / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)
Marsch and assistant Rene Maric have expressed a desire to bring as many players up to speed as possible, which means those who did not feature vs Elche or Real Sociedad take priority this evening. If Firpo has shaken off his most recent knock, he may get 45 minutes as Pascal Struijk and Leo Hjelde also vie for the left-back spot (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: GEOFF CADDICK
6. Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams may earn a recall after his exploits at the World Cup. He is suspended for the visit of Man City but will be available for selection to face Newcastle three days later and therefore will need minutes in preparation (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images) Photo: Paul Harding