Leeds predicted lineup vs Leicester: Liam Cooper replaces Gjanni Alioski

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Leeds United return to action on Monday when they host Leicester City at Elland Road as they look to build on their stunning 3-0 victory last time out.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were sensational in the second-half of their win at Aston Villa. But supporters would be forgiven for having a few more concerns about facing the Foxes.

Brendan Rodgers has deployed a back three twice this week. So Leeds may be anticipating a similar challenge to the one that Wolves presented in October.

On that occasion, the Whites struggled to create clear-cut chances. And they were punished as Wolves bagged a second-half winner.

The positive signs from Leeds however, would hint that Bielsa is unlikely to make any drastic changes to his system to cope with the visitors. 

And the Whites have been handed a big boost ahead of the game. Bielsa confirmed – in comments reported by Leeds Live – that he expects to have Liam Cooper back available for the clash.

Cooper has been injured since the international break. But in his absence, Leeds were superb defensively – particularly against Villa.

Nevertheless, it may not be a huge surprise if he returns to the starting lineup on Monday.

The unfortunate player to miss out therefore, could be Gjanni Alioski. Alioski was excellent at Villa, but Luke Ayling will surely return to right-back and Stuart Dallas should move back to left-back.

The other decision Bielsa needs to make looks to be in holding midfield.

Pascal Struijk started at Villa. However, he was taken off after just 21 minutes after collecting an early yellow card. 

Mateusz Klich was tasked with playing a little deeper as Jamie Shackleton was introduced. And the switch worked fantastically well.

Bielsa would surely be forgiven for wanting to stick with Klich and Shackleton. But given the attacking quality Leicester possess, perhaps it will be Struijk who gets another opportunity. 

It would be harsh on Shackleton. But he could prove to be the ace up Leeds’s sleeve as the game goes on.

With that in mind, here is how Leeds may look when they take on Leicester on Monday…