Leeds United are hard at work in Australia as they continue to prepare for the start of the new Premier League season. The Whites are currently in Perth and on Friday morning they will take on Crystal Palace in their final outing before heading back to West Yorkshire.
Palace have brought a young team to Western Australia, but the game still promises to be a challenge for the Whites as Jesse Marsch’s side ready themselves for the campaign ahead. Here, Leeds Live attempt to predict how the head coach will set his side up at the Optus Stadium.
Illan Meslier made his first appearance of pre-season on Sunday against Aston Villa at the Suncorp Stadium and it seems he is likely to start once more as Marsch looks to get some more match action into his first-choice keeper. Rasmus Kristensen is the obvious man to start at right-back, particularly given the small hamstring issue Cody Drameh is carrying at the minute.
Read more: Leeds United Australia diary day nine: Cappuccino Strip, politicians and Fremantle
Leo Hjelde hasn’t had much game time Down Under due to a calf problem, but he looks to have shaken that off and the head coach could start the Norwegian in the game, while Leif Davis must treat Friday’s game as another audition for the left-back spot ahead of the clash with Wolves on August 6.
The American is likely to want to see Tyler Adams and Marc Roca play together in the middle of the park once more given they are expected to make up his first choice centre-midfield partnership. Marsch is also expected to give Luis Sinisterra his first start in the white of Leeds.
The Colombia international has seen his game time limited so far, but as the campaign nears his game time will be dialled up. Brenden Aaronson could be his strongest option in the number 10 role, with Jack Harrison potentially set for another run out on the left.
Patrick Bamford looked sharp in training on Wednesday at the Fremantle Oval and he could be set for his second start in a week at the Optus Stadium. However, fans can expect to see Joe Gelhardt enter the fray at some stage throughout the contest.
Predicted Leeds team to face Crystal Palace: Illan Meslier; Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Leo Hjelde, Leif Davis; Tyler Adams, Marc Roca; Luis Sinisterra, Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison; Patrick Bamford
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