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Beren Cross & Matty Hewitt

Leeds United's first-choice left-back, injuries and what Aston Villa can expect

Premier League football is back on the horizon after what seems like an eternity without a Leeds United game. The Whites last game against Brentford was one they had hoped to banish from memory, but the passing of Queen Elizabeth II meant two of Leeds United's games would be postponed.

Jesse Marsch's side have had almost a month without a first-team fixture and have had a number of players away on international duty. They'll finally return to action against Aston Villa at Elland Road this upcoming Sunday.

We invited you to ask LeedsLive's Leeds United reporter Beren Cross questions ahead of the game against Steven Gerrard's side. Read what he's had to say in relation to your questions below.

READ MORE: Luis Sinisterra's defiant Leeds United message and his 'hunger' to succeed on biggest stage

Craig92 asked: "I'm guessing Marsch regards Firpo as first choice left back. Interesting where Struijk fits into the squad. Would Marsch uses him as fourth choice centre-back?

Beren Cross: "When everyone's fit and firing Firpo is certainly his first choice at left-back. Struijk is seen as a back-up centre-back and a back-up left back right now. Drameh and Struijk are different because of their versatility, for me.

"The former seems suited to one role and, unfortunately for him, there are now two, fit, senior options in front of him. The latter can play in two roles and one of those only has one senior option in front of him, who happens to be injury-prone.

"While match time has always seemed like an issue for Drameh, the stars have always been aligned for Struijk to play fairly regularly for what feels like a very long time now."

Thinlizzwhite said: "Any news on injuries?"

BC: "We have had no news on injuries since the Brentford game other than confirmation of Rasmus Kristensen's recovery and the valuable minutes for some in the under-21s. Bamford was one of those who featured in Premier League 2 game and although I didn't watch, reports suggest he did well.

"Our assumption is he is fit and ready to go against Villa. Rodrigo is one we need an update from Marsch on.

"The original prognosis around his shoulder had suggested Villa might be a return game for him, but the American admitted it could be sooner or later than that too. Firpo, like Bamford, played with the under-21s and should be on the bench at the very least this weekend. I would imagine Struijk still has the edge as a starter over the Dominican.

"Sinisterra should be on his way back to the UK from California after his exploits in the early hours of this morning. You would imagine Marsch gives him until Friday to reset and rest. I would be very surprised if the in-form attacker was missing on Sunday."

AshPreeceAV asked: What will Gerrard/Villa expect from Leeds on Sunday and how will it differ from the 0-3 back in March?

BC: "Great to hear from you, Ash. For those who don't know, Ash is the Villa writer at our sister title BirminghamLive. That Villa loss at Elland Road stands out as one of the darkest nights for Leeds in recent years.

"It was a resounding defeat for the Whites, who played abjectly across the pitch in a system which looked totally ineffective on a night when Marsch could only look like the imposter who took Bielsa's job. It really felt like the night the threat of relegation hit home in a sobering way. It became a reality.

"Thankfully, a lot has changed since that night. Leeds have begun the campaign really well and already taken massive leaps forward in how they implement Marsch's philosophy.

"Gerrard can expect a high-pressing team as before, but the triggers and pressing traps have been refined no end. The personnel are different for a start and their pressures on opposition backlines have already borne fruit.

"The team retains a narrow attacking width with a distinct, vertical passing approach. Do not be surprised to see quick, direct passes towards the Villa goal at the earliest opportunity in attacks."

Yeatesp asked: "Your starting team and bench for Sunday?"

BC: "We'll hear from Marsch on Friday, so he will give us the latest on injury news, but yes, if there are no new issues since the Brentford game then we're probably looking at Dallas alone on the injury list, assuming Rodrigo is on track.

"If that's the case, my team would be: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Cooper, Struijk; Adams, Roca; Sinisterra, Aaronson, Harrison; Bamford.

"Bench: Klaesson, Firpo, Forshaw, Summerville, Llorente, Rodrigo, Kristensen, Gelhardt, Klich."

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