The relegation of host Leeds threatened Burnley at Elland Road this weekend, in a game that will be seen as a must-win for both sides.
Sitting 14th in the table, a home win for Leeds over Burnley will earn them 20 points for the season – halfway to the magical 40 point total of “guaranteed survival”.
Marcelo Bielsa was last criticized for his side’s abandonment as the wind approaches at Old Trafford, but he is likely to stick to his guns again to return to victory.
Here is 90 minutes thoughts on how Leeds should line up to get the three points.
Illan Meslier (GK): Although he hasn’t had the best of games against Manchester United, he’s still Bielsa’s man between the sticks. An ideal game to get your fifth clean sheet of the year.
Stuart Dallas (RB): Marked the choice of the peloton at Old Trafford, sailing a magnificent shot past David de Gea. By far the most reliable defender of Bielsa this year.
Luke Ayling (CB): Putting in a horrific performance against Man Utd but due to injuries he’s guaranteed a starting role. Need to step up.
Diego Llorente (CB): With captain Liam Cooper at risk of missing due to abdominal strain, the £ 18million summer signing from Real Sociedad will be asked to replace. It would only be his second start for the Yorkshire club.
Ezgjan Alioski (LB): The Macedonian scored in his last home game but needs to improve defensively.
Kalvin Phillips (DM): Was led out of the park by the Man United midfielder last week and is expected to put on a much better performance this weekend.
Image ID: Raphinha (RM) A real live feed of its time. Got both assists last week and has really impressed the past few weeks. The Brazilian is one of the first names on the team sheet.
Rodrigo (CM): The Spaniard is being asked to play a deeper role than he might be used to, but he behaves well regardless.
Mateusz Klich (CM): Substituted at halftime last time, saving himself more humiliation. Picked up a shot, but should be in shape to start.
Jack Harrison (LM): I missed a good chance to score at Old Trafford, but you can count on to perform. A shoo-in to start.
Patrick Bamford (ST): Continues to prove all his skeptics wrong, with eight goals in 14 league games this season. This is a top notch game to hit double the numbers and get Southgate thinking about their Euro attack line.
