Predicted Leeds team for trip to Watford: Phillips return causes midfield selection headache
Following a good string of results and Kalvin Phillips’ return to fitness, the predicted Leeds team to face Watford could see a selection headache.
Boss Jesse Marsch has managed to turn things around during his short time at Leeds. The Whites were in a tough spot when he took over, coming off the back of four consecutive losses.
However, Marsch has Leeds back in a good vein of form. The American coach has inspired his side to a pair of wins and a draw in the last three.
His first win at Elland Road saw his side defeat Norwich City 2-1, thanks to a late Joe Gelhardt winner. The Whites then went on to beat Wolves 3-2, again courtesy of a late goal.
Leeds managed to score first last game, as Jack Harrison bagged in the first half. However, James Ward-Prowse pulled one back for Southampton, and the teams shared the points.
Leeds are boosted by the return of star midfielder Phillips, who came on from the bench last game. That return gives Marsch a bit of a selection headache in the midfield for the Watford trip.
Robin Koch has apparently “performed well” in training, per Marsch’s press conference, but “not always” been picked on a matchday. Mateusz Klich has played more often than not in Phillips’ absence.
What’s more, the opponents in question “make [Leeds] think” about selection.
Last time out – Leeds 1-1 Southampton
Illan Meslier started in net, as he has every league game this term. Leeds captain Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas played in the full-back positions.
There has been a lot of chopping and changing at centre-back due to injuries this season. That was the case in the last game, as Liam Cooper returned to partner Diego Llorente.
Klich – who was replaced by Phillips in the second half – started in the midfield, alongside Adam Forshaw.
Raphinha, Rodrigo, and goalscorer Harrison played in the attacking-midfield positions.
Daniel James deputised up top, in the absence of Patrick Bamford, who has been hampered by injuries this season.
Predicted Leeds team against Watford
Meslier will no doubt be selected in goal. Ayling and Dallas may once again play as the full-backs. Indeed, left-back Junior Firpo is still out with a knee injury.
Cooper and Llorente could remain as the centre-back partnership.
Phillips’ return to fitness could mean he replaces Klich and partner Forshaw in the midfield.
The attacking positions are likely to remain the same – Raphinha, Rodrigo and Harrison in behind the striker. Tyler Roberts is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, which restricts Marsch’s options.
James is likely to play up top again, and will hope for success in front of goal. Joe Gelhardt may recover in time from a dead leg he suffered playing for the Under-23s on Monday to make the bench.
Predicted Leeds XI: Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Cooper, Dallas; Phillips, Forshaw; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison; James
READ MORE: Marsch reveals he had to set Kalvin Phillips record straight in Leeds talks amid relegation battle
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