Allardyce admitted himself that Meslier's place in the team or otherwise presented him with one of his biggest decisions and there have been lots of calls for the Frenchman to be dropped following a series of recent goalkeeping gaffes. But there is no doubt that Meslier is streets ahead as first choice keeper at his best and when high on confidence, something which Allardyce will be keen to restore. The gut feeling is that Meslier will get another chance despite the experience of Joel Robles waiting in reserve. Either way, it's a huge call.Allardyce admitted himself that Meslier's place in the team or otherwise presented him with one of his biggest decisions and there have been lots of calls for the Frenchman to be dropped following a series of recent goalkeeping gaffes. But there is no doubt that Meslier is streets ahead as first choice keeper at his best and when high on confidence, something which Allardyce will be keen to restore. The gut feeling is that Meslier will get another chance despite the experience of Joel Robles waiting in reserve. Either way, it's a huge call.
Allardyce admitted himself that Meslier's place in the team or otherwise presented him with one of his biggest decisions and there have been lots of calls for the Frenchman to be dropped following a series of recent goalkeeping gaffes. But there is no doubt that Meslier is streets ahead as first choice keeper at his best and when high on confidence, something which Allardyce will be keen to restore. The gut feeling is that Meslier will get another chance despite the experience of Joel Robles waiting in reserve. Either way, it's a huge call.

Leeds United's predicted line up gallery v Man City as Allardyce makes huge call and big changes

Lee Sobot
By Lee Sobot
Published 5th May 2023, 15:51 BST
New boss Sam Allardyce’s Leeds United rescue mission starts at Manchester City on Saturday – and this is how we think he will line the Whites up.

Allardyce held his pre-City press conference on Friday morning, at which he revealed that Liam Cooper, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams and Stuart Dallas formed his quartet of injury absentees. Cooper started last weekend’s clash at Bournemouth in which he was forced off with a glute injury upon what proved Javi Gracia’s final game in charge after a 4-1 defeat.

Allardyce also admitted at Friday’s press briefing that one of his biggest decisions probably concerned whether or not to keep Illan Meslier in goal after a rotten recent run for the Whites keeper. Allardyce has four games to save fourth-bottom United’s top-flight status and this is the XI that we think will step out at the Etihad for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off.

Another obvious one if Allardyce is intent on packing the midfield at a time when Leeds remain minus the services of Tyler Adams.

7. CM - Marc Roca

Another obvious one if Allardyce is intent on packing the midfield at a time when Leeds remain minus the services of Tyler Adams. Photo: Alex Livesey

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Some of McKennie's recent displays have left a lot to be desired but he's hardly alone in that respect and he remains a likely starter given that Allardyce is clearly determined to pack out the midfield. Sam Greenwood is another leading option but perhaps he will be one introduced from the bench. There's also youngsters Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray to consider.

8. CM - Weston McKennie

Some of McKennie's recent displays have left a lot to be desired but he's hardly alone in that respect and he remains a likely starter given that Allardyce is clearly determined to pack out the midfield. Sam Greenwood is another leading option but perhaps he will be one introduced from the bench. There's also youngsters Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray to consider. Photo: OLI SCARFF

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Harrison is another centre midfield option as he has previously looked decent in the position when dropping deeper but he's just the sort of player you could see Allardyce wanting out wide with his energy and pressing up and down the pitch.

9. RW - Jack Harrison

Harrison is another centre midfield option as he has previously looked decent in the position when dropping deeper but he's just the sort of player you could see Allardyce wanting out wide with his energy and pressing up and down the pitch. Photo: OLI SCARFF

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Allardyce has previously hailed the talents of Gnonto as a pundit and the Italian international teenager will surely start and rightly so. Allardyce could play him as second striker but out on the left looking to burst clear when chances present itself might be what he opts for.

10. LW - Willy Gnonto

Allardyce has previously hailed the talents of Gnonto as a pundit and the Italian international teenager will surely start and rightly so. Allardyce could play him as second striker but out on the left looking to burst clear when chances present itself might be what he opts for. Photo: Stu Forster

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Allardyce has already highlighted the importance of Bamford this week and he looks set to get the call upfront, possibly as a lone striker, a position in which his best moments have come for Leeds. Rodrigo is the clear alternative. Unless Allardyce opts for them both together but one upfront and a five-man midfield looks more likely.

11. ST - Patrick Bamford

Allardyce has already highlighted the importance of Bamford this week and he looks set to get the call upfront, possibly as a lone striker, a position in which his best moments have come for Leeds. Rodrigo is the clear alternative. Unless Allardyce opts for them both together but one upfront and a five-man midfield looks more likely. Photo: Michael Steele

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Related topics:Sam AllardyceLiam CooperMan CityStuart DallasBournemouth