Three days after a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal and Leeds United are back in action, returning to Elland Road to take on fellow relegation candidates Nottingham Forest – and Javi Gracia makes three changes in our predicted XI.
It was considered a bit of a free hit on Saturday, and the game plan started well. Gracia sprung a few surprises in his team selection – starting Rasmus Kristensen in midfield, and Brenden Aaronson as a false nine – without a striker.
Rotation was perhaps on his mind ahead of the games against Forest and Palace this week. Indeed, Gracia’s side did start really well, maybe boasting the best chances in the first 30 mins and keeping Arsenal comfortably at bay.
But a foul from Luke Ayling on Gabriel Jesus in the penalty area changed that, Jesus getting up to score. It changed the whole landscape of the game, as Arsenal went on to secure a pretty comfortable 4-1 win at The Emirates.
Three changes in our predicted Leeds XI to take on Nottingham Forest
Again, Leeds went into the game with the feeling it was a bit of a free hit. But, the pressure ramps up on Tuesday, as we face Forest. The most-likely change is the return of Weston McKennie in the middle of the park tomorrow night.
He could replace Rasmus Kristensen as Gracia reverts to a 4-2-3-1, pushing Harrison in front of £34m McKennie and Marc Roca. Liam Cooper got minutes under his belt at Arsenal. He should start over Pascal Struijk at the back.
Luis Sinisterra got through 65 minutes at Arsenal and he is likely to return to the bench and be used later on in the game, in order to keep him fresh. A striker should come in and with Rodrigo still not 100%, Patrick Bamford starts.
So, three changes and a formation switch. Cooper in for Struijk, McKennie and Roca sit with Kristensen returning to the bench. Bamford comes in up top – with Aaronson on the right flank. Sinisterra drops to the substitutes bench.
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