Marcelo Bielsa suggests 28-year-old will start first PL game for Leeds on Saturday

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Marcelo Bielsa has suggested during his pre-Manchester City press conference – as per Leeds Live – that Gjanni Alioski will replace Jack Harrison on the left as Leeds United take on Pep Guardiola’s side at Elland Road.

Harrison, 23, has enjoyed a stunning start to life in the Premier League – after agreeing to rejoin Leeds for a third time from Manchester City on loan. He scored in a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool, and created the only goal in a 1-0 win over Sheffield United.

However, the England Under-21 star will now miss Saturday evening’s clash against Manchester City – due to City being his parent club. Bielsa has numerous options of players to come in for Harrison, though it was unclear who he would pick.

But the former Argentina and Bilbao manager has now seemingly made it clear that Alioski would replace Harrison – claiming the Macedonia international is more than capable of producing similar quality, if not better than Harrison.

“When a player comes out of the XI and another player comes in and you have to,” Bielsa said. “You have to mix common faces. Harrison is very important. Alioski is able to do as well or better than Harrison. Then there is a game where you have to show.”

TBR’s view – Should Alioski replace Harrison?

The Whites have numerous options. Stuart Dallas showed off his versatility on Sunday when he impressed in central midfield against Sheffield United. Ian Poveda, meanwhile, impressed when coming off the bench against the Blades.

Tyler Roberts has played out wide for Leeds on occasion, so Bielsa has options. Is £2million (YEP) signing Alioski the best man to replace Harrison? With a defensive-minded winger needed, he probably just edges it to Poveda.

It will see Alioski start his first game in the Premier League, having previously managed substitute appearances against Fulham and last time out.