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Sport
George Bennett

Leeds United supporters send Javi Gracia strikers message ahead of Chelsea clash

Leeds United supporters have called for Javi Gracia to drop Patrick Bamford and hand Georginio Rutter his first Premier League start against Chelsea on Saturday. The Whites travel to Stamford Bridge looking to build on their 1-0 victory over relegation rivals Southampton in Gracia's first game at the helm.

Club record signing Rutter has made all five of his Premier League appearances from the bench, with his only two starts for the club coming in the FA Cup.

The 20-year-old produced a promising performance in Leeds' 2-0 defeat at Fulham on Tuesday. He had a goal disallowed and also hit the post with a header as the Cottagers condemned Leeds to elimination in the FA Cup fifth round.

Read more: Chelsea insider paints 'bleak' picture and makes Mason Mount prediction ahead of Leeds United

Leeds supporters have been selecting the starting XI that they would like to face Chelsea, and Rutter is among one of two changes to the side that defeated Southampton.

Illan Meslier retains his place between the sticks, while the back four of Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Max Wober and Junior Firpo remains the same.

USA pair Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie continue to screen the defence as a double pivot, and Jack Harrison has been deployed in an attacking role.

Therefore, Crysencio Summerville has been restored to the starting line-up at the expense of the out-of-form Brenden Aaronson. Wilfried Gnonto starts down the left flank, and Bamford drops out, with Rutter chosen to lead the line against the Blues.

Leeds fan XI (4-2-1-3): Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Wober, Firpo; Adams, McKennie; Harrison; Summerville, Rutter, Gnonto.

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