Leeds predicted lineup vs Brighton: 24-year-old starts; teammate on bench despite ‘unbelievable’ display

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Here is our predicted lineup for Leeds United as they prepare to face Brighton and Hove Albion at Elland Road in the Premier League on Saturday.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have received a big boost ahead of the clash with the Seagulls. Leeds have endured a torrid time with injury this season.

They faced Tottenham without Raphinha and Rodrigo. They joined Patrick Bamford, Robin Koch, Luke Ayling and Jamie Shackleton on the sidelines.

But Bielsa has confirmed that there is positive news on all six players. Both Raphinha and Rodrigo are available, as is Shackleton.

Ayling will feature for the under-23s on Monday. Koch and Bamford are closing in on a return.

It would come as no surprise therefore, if both Raphinha and Rodrigo started against Graham Potter’s side.

That may mean that both Mateusz Klich and Joe Gelhardt drop down to the bench.

Klich unfortunately, has not had the best season. But the move would be a little harsh on Gelhardt, who was excellent when starting against Tottenham. Patrick Bamford labelled his display ‘unbelievable’.

With that in mind, he could easily keep his spot. That would then see Rodrigo initially start on the bench. Or Bielsa could rest Jack Harrison or Daniel James.

Further back, Brighton have tended to play with a front two this term. That may mean that Liam Cooper, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk all start.

Leeds predicted lineup vs Brighton: Raphinha and Rodrigo start

And with that, Junior Firpo may have to wait a little longer for a return to the starting lineup.

Struijk has shown that he is capable of playing at left-back as well as centre-back. So picking the Dutchman enables Leeds to switch between a back two or back three, with Stuart Dallas moving between right-back and a more central position.

With that in mind, here is an attempt at predicting how Leeds may look against Brighton…