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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Joshua Hobbs

Leeds United fans tell Marcelo Bielsa their preferred starting XI for Everton clash

It's safe to say that many Leeds fans were a little unhappy when the starting line-up dropped on Wednesday night for Leeds' fixture against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Daniel James had struggled in the centre forward role in the previous game, yet Marcelo Bielsa gave him another start as the number nine. Meanwhile, Adam Forshaw - one of the team's most consistent players - returned from injury but was only given a place on the bench as Rodrigo and Mateusz Klich played in midfield ahead of Robin Koch in the defensive midfield position.

However, Leeds' attacking play caused Villa plenty of problems and James picked up a first-half brace, showing that he can be a more than viable option in the role in certain situations.

Leeds did struggle going the other way, as Villa's three goals were too easy but according to Leeds Live's select your XI widget, the most popular team that fans have picked for Saturday's match against Frank Lampard's Everton is the same one that started at Villa Park.

If Everton play the same 3-4-3 shape they played against Newcastle, Leeds' formation will look more like a 4-4-2 due to Bielsa's man-marking system, so Rodrigo will likely look more like a second striker with James, whilst Koch and Klich will function more like a midfield pair.

Interestingly, James' performance at Villa Park seems to have quietened the fan clamour for Joe Gelhardt to get another start up front, but Whites fans will surely call for the teenager's inclusion if their team finds themselves needing a goal at Goodison Park.

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