Jesse Marsch has named something close to his strongest Leeds United side to take on Cagliari in the club’s final game of pre-season. The head coach will be keen to see progress made this evening with the Premier League due to start next weekend.
Rasmus Kristensen will make his first appearance at Elland Road as he starts at right-back after impressing during the club’s tour of Australia. The Denmark international signed from Red Bull Salzburg over the summer and made three appearances Down Under.
Pascal Struijk gets the chance to impress at left-back in the absence of Junior Firpo, while Diego Llorente and Robin Koch start together in the middle of defence. Tyler Adams and Marc Roca start in the centre of midfield and the pair will be keen to shine together.
Read more: LIVE Leeds United v Cagliari build-up and team news from Elland Road
Patrick Bamford will be keen to pick up more game time as he looks to leave last season’s injury troubles behind, while Brenden Aaronson makes his first Elland Road appearance on the right. Ian Poveda and Helder Costa are surprise names on the bench after missing out on the tour Down Under.
Sonny Perkins could make his first appearance for the club after signing from West Ham United earlier this month, while youngsters Keenan Carole, Mateo Joseph and Morten Spencer have also been named on the bench and could feature.
There’s no Liam Cooper, Cody Drameh, Luis Sinisterra or Adam Forshaw who all had injuries during the tour to Australia.
Leeds United: Illan Meslier; Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk; Marc Roca, Tyler Adams; Brenden Aaronson, Rodrigo, Jack Harrison; Patrick Bamford
Bench: Harry Christy, Helder Costa, Ian Poveda, Sonny Perkins, Mateusz Klich, Mateo Joseph, Keenan Carole, Morten Spencer
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