Leeds United are preparing for Javi Gracia‘s second League match in charge as they travel to London for the second time in the space of a few days – and this is our predicted XI to face Chelsea, including four potential changes.
On Tuesday night, Gracia made four changes to his side for the FA Cup clash at Fulham and were unlucky to lose 2-0. There were positives on the night, but the lack of clinical finishing saw the Whites end up being knocked out.
Gracia brought in Rasmus Kristensen, £10m Marc Roca, Cree Summerville and Georgie Rutter for the match. But away at Chelsea, it is likely Gracia reverts to a similar side he used in the 1-0 win over Southampton at Elland Road.
The manager’s preference not to discuss injury news in press conferences mean it is unclear whether the likes of Luis Sinisterra or Liam Cooper will be available. Max Wober lasted 90 minutes on Saturday in the win last weekend.
But the Austrian was missing entirely against Fulham. Likely, to give the January recruit a rest after he suffered a shoulder injury in the loss to Everton – prior to the win over Southampton. So, Wober is likely to return to the side.
Predicted Leeds XI to face Chelsea, including four potential changes
The one big decision Gracia has to make is what to do with Rutter. Arguably our best player at Fulham, the striker could be used again on Saturday as Leeds look to take advantage of Chelsea’s poor form under Graham Potter.
It is likely Wober comes back in. Jack Harrison, too. Patrick Bamford will surely start up top. Summerville was good at Fulham but Brenden Aaronson excelled in his role against Southampton. Aaronson is also likely to return.
So, we predict Gracia to revert to the side that beat Southampton 1-0 – despite Rutter’s form and Summerville putting in a shift on Tuesday night. In come Wober, Harrison, Bamford and Aaronson – to take on Chelsea.
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