Two big errors from the Frenchman cost Leeds at Fulham and Meslier has now conceded 22 goals in United's last seven games, including 13 in the last three. But Gracia again highlighted how United's issues were as a defensive unit as a whole with more backing for Meslier in his pre-match press conference and the feeling is that the Frenchman will remain in goal despite the experience of Joel Robles waiting in reserve.Two big errors from the Frenchman cost Leeds at Fulham and Meslier has now conceded 22 goals in United's last seven games, including 13 in the last three. But Gracia again highlighted how United's issues were as a defensive unit as a whole with more backing for Meslier in his pre-match press conference and the feeling is that the Frenchman will remain in goal despite the experience of Joel Robles waiting in reserve.
Two big errors from the Frenchman cost Leeds at Fulham and Meslier has now conceded 22 goals in United's last seven games, including 13 in the last three. But Gracia again highlighted how United's issues were as a defensive unit as a whole with more backing for Meslier in his pre-match press conference and the feeling is that the Frenchman will remain in goal despite the experience of Joel Robles waiting in reserve.

Predicted Leeds United line up gallery v Leicester City with three changes and big midfield call

Lee Sobot
By Lee Sobot
Published 24th Apr 2023, 17:30 BST
Leeds United face a massive Tuesday night Elland Road showdown against relegation rivals Leicester City – and this is how we think the Whites will line up.

Boss Javi Gracia made just the three changes to his side for Saturday’s clash at Fulham as captain Liam Cooper, Max Wober and Crysencio Summerville all came into the side. Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo and Luis Sinisterra respectively all made way but attacking star Willy Gnonto stayed on the bench and was only brought on in the 80th minute of a 2-1 defeat.

Both goals arrived after errors from keeper Illan Meslier whilst both Cooper and Wober then suffered whacks in the closing stages as Leeds looked to rally and draw level after substitute Patrick Bamford’s strike forced a Cottagers own goal.

Gracia held his pre-match press conference on Monday and was asked specifically about Cooper and Wober and if they had trained. The Spaniard replied with “for the next game we have some players in this moment I’m not sure if they will be able to play.”

That means it’s the usual guessing game but this is how we think Leeds will line up for the enormous clash against the Foxes at Elland Road (kick-off 8pm).

Gracia held his pre-match press conference on Monday and was asked specifically about Cooper and Wober and if they had trained. The Spaniard replied with “for the next game we have some players in this moment I’m not sure if they will be able to play.”

McKennie or Forshaw, that's what it might all boil down to and perhaps it's telling just how much Gracia emphasised the point that Forshaw would need time after his long term hip injury to get up to his best levels, naturally, even if he also admitted the Whites did not have that luxury of time. The Leeds midfield was so bad at Fulham that Gracia might start Forshaw anyway but he's only had 23 minutes from the bench since returning and the gut feeling is that McKennie will keep his place in the side.

7. CM - Weston McKennie

McKennie or Forshaw, that's what it might all boil down to and perhaps it's telling just how much Gracia emphasised the point that Forshaw would need time after his long term hip injury to get up to his best levels, naturally, even if he also admitted the Whites did not have that luxury of time. The Leeds midfield was so bad at Fulham that Gracia might start Forshaw anyway but he's only had 23 minutes from the bench since returning and the gut feeling is that McKennie will keep his place in the side. Photo: Stu Forster

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Gracia went with Summerville and Jack Harrison as his wingers at Fulham as Luis Sinisterra dropped out of the side and Summerville was easily United's best attacker, albeit he faded after the break. He also played the full 90 despite Gracia making four changes and on that basis, he looks set to keep his place in the side.

8. RW - Crysencio Summerville

Gracia went with Summerville and Jack Harrison as his wingers at Fulham as Luis Sinisterra dropped out of the side and Summerville was easily United's best attacker, albeit he faded after the break. He also played the full 90 despite Gracia making four changes and on that basis, he looks set to keep his place in the side. Photo: Stu Forster

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The clamour continues and indeed grows for Willy Gnonto to be brought back into the starting XI but the Italian international teenager only got ten minutes from the bench at Fulham and unless he suddenly has a change in mind, there is nothing to suggest that Gracia is close to starting him. Instead. Sinisterra was brought on as one of the head coach's first two changes in the 65th minute at Fulham and it might well be that he now lines up on the left where Jack Harrison started at Fulham only to be almost anonymous in the first half before slightly improving after the break. The second change but in for Brenden Aaronson and not Harrison with Harrison deployed elsewhere.

9. LW - Luis Sinisterra

The clamour continues and indeed grows for Willy Gnonto to be brought back into the starting XI but the Italian international teenager only got ten minutes from the bench at Fulham and unless he suddenly has a change in mind, there is nothing to suggest that Gracia is close to starting him. Instead. Sinisterra was brought on as one of the head coach's first two changes in the 65th minute at Fulham and it might well be that he now lines up on the left where Jack Harrison started at Fulham only to be almost anonymous in the first half before slightly improving after the break. The second change but in for Brenden Aaronson and not Harrison with Harrison deployed elsewhere. Photo: OLI SCARFF

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Harrison has started every game under Gracia but was very quiet on the left at Fulham and perhaps United's head coach will now move him inside although there must be a temptation to play both Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford together or opt with Gnonto as a second striker. Or Gracia could stick with Brenden Aaronson of course and that would be absolutely no surprise. Anything is possible but Gracia did hint at making some sort of change and perhaps Harrison moving inside into an attacking central midfield role might be what he opts for given that Harrison can also drop deep to held out in the clearly light middle of the park. Equally, Sinisterra or Summerville could shift inside allowing Harrison back out wide. Gnonto looks the right call but the wait might well continue.

10. CM/ACM - Jack Harrison

Harrison has started every game under Gracia but was very quiet on the left at Fulham and perhaps United's head coach will now move him inside although there must be a temptation to play both Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford together or opt with Gnonto as a second striker. Or Gracia could stick with Brenden Aaronson of course and that would be absolutely no surprise. Anything is possible but Gracia did hint at making some sort of change and perhaps Harrison moving inside into an attacking central midfield role might be what he opts for given that Harrison can also drop deep to held out in the clearly light middle of the park. Equally, Sinisterra or Summerville could shift inside allowing Harrison back out wide. Gnonto looks the right call but the wait might well continue. Photo: Alex Livesey

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Bamford or Rodrigo or both? Both would be ideal but does that work for one and the other with nether a no 10? Rodrigo got the nod to start at Fulham and is United's top scorer but Leeds definitely benefit from Bamford's hold up play and he might get the call assuming all is well after his recent calf issue which forced him to miss the Liverpool game before then starting from the bench at Fulham and replacing Rodrigo with 25 minutes left. The third of three changes, in for Rodrigo, but a very hard call and starting both might well be Gracia's answer.

11. ST - Patrick Bamford

Bamford or Rodrigo or both? Both would be ideal but does that work for one and the other with nether a no 10? Rodrigo got the nod to start at Fulham and is United's top scorer but Leeds definitely benefit from Bamford's hold up play and he might get the call assuming all is well after his recent calf issue which forced him to miss the Liverpool game before then starting from the bench at Fulham and replacing Rodrigo with 25 minutes left. The third of three changes, in for Rodrigo, but a very hard call and starting both might well be Gracia's answer. Photo: Stu Forster

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Related topics:Elland RoadLiam CooperLeicester CityPatrick BamfordIllan Meslier