Leeds United take on Wolves in Javi Gracia‘s fourth Premier League game in charge on Saturday afternoon in the Midlands – and the Spanish gaffer could make as many as four changes to his side, in our predicted Leeds XI.
The Whites will be forced into one change come Saturday, with key player Tyler Adams missing due to a hamstring injury. The USA skipper picked up the issue in training and will also be missing for USA’s games during the break.
It is likely that Weston McKennie and Marc Roca will combine in the middle of the park. But there are other decisions to make for Gracia, with injured players such as Rodrigo and Luis Sinisterra returning in the 2-2 draw with Brighton.
The defence picks itself at the moment. Illan Meslier is the first name on the team sheet, while Luke Ayling is still keeping Rasmus Kristensen out. Gracia said captain Liam Cooper is ready to play but he will surely be on the bench.
Indeed, Robin Koch, Max Wober and Junior Firpo will continue in defence. Roca and McKennie in midfield, with McKennie re-instated in the starting line-up as a replacement for Adams. Brenden Aaronson was poor last time out.
Predicted Leeds XI to take on Wolves: Four changes, Gnonto decision
Some nice touches, but he is incredibly light weight and was often dispossessed. So, pushing Jack Harrison – who got a goal, an assist and an own goal against Brighton – into the 10 role will allow Willy Gnonto to start on the left.
Gnonto was superb when he came off the bench against Brighton. On the right, Crysencio Summerville has not re-discovered his winter form, in which he scored in four successive matches. Sinisterra is back and should start.
Up top, Gracia has Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo and Georgie Rutter to choose from. £10m Bamford scored against Brighton but Rodrigo is the club’s top scorer and if fit, should start. Rodrigo has three in four games against Wolves.
So, four changes. In come McKennie, Sinisterra, Gnonto and Rodrigo for Adams, Summerville, Aaronson and Bamford. Leeds will be hoping for a repeat of this fixture last season – a game in which they won 3-2 at Molineux.
