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Joe Donnohue

Patrick Bamford returns to Leeds United squad as Jesse Marsch's first Whites line-up confirmed

Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch takes to the dugout for the first time in his new role this afternoon.

The American has named a starting XI he believes has the ability to defeat Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

In following Marcelo Bielsa's lead, Marsch faces an almighty task.

The responsibility to lift Leeds from their current run of form will be considerable, but Marsch can alleviate some of that pressure with a positive result in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

Patrick Bamford and Diego Llorente's involvement was contingent on a late fitness test after Marsch revealed the pair were touch-and-go to be included in Leeds' travelling squad.

Bamford trained during the week, while Llorente sat out the open training session on Thursday.

The England striker has travelled with the team and is named on the substitutes' bench this afternoon.

Diego Llorente is not involved with the squad at the King Power Stadium.

In his place, Robin Koch drops into central defence alongside Pascal Struijk.

Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo start in their respective full-back positions, with the former captaining the side in Liam Cooper's continued absence.

Stuart Dallas starts in midfield, in what could be a brand-new formation under the stewardship of Jesse Marsch.

Adam Forshaw is not retained in the middle, while Raphinha, Daniel James and Rodrigo are given the nod from the outset.

Follow all the action as it happens this afternoon in our live match blog.

Here is the Leeds United starting line-up and substitutes to face Leicester City.

Leeds XI: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Struijk, Firpo; Dallas, Klich, Harrison, Raphinha, James, Rodrigo

Subs: Klaesson, Cresswell, Shackleton, Forshaw, Summerville, Bamford, Roberts, Greenwood, Gelhardt

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