With Leeds United out of form and several 50-50 selection calls for Jesse Marsch to make away at a Premier League giant, it’s next to impossible to predict what line-up he ends up with. If we assume all of the questionable injury doubts are ruled out for the sake of argument, it at least gives us a solid core of players to pick from.
The backline revolves around how Marsch wants to use Diego Llorente or Junior Firpo, if at all. Neither has played at a consistently high level since arriving at Elland Road and Marsch may have some reservations about them, especially at Anfield.
The extreme option could be to utilise Luke Ayling in the centre with Robin Koch, making space for Rasmus Kristensen at right-back and Pascal Struijk at left-back. However, one look at the tape from Liverpool away last season will show Marsch how Ayling struggled in that berth.
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As a Spain international, Marsch must have a shade more faith in Llorente as a more natural option than Ayling and someone who has shown a very high level in one-off matches. Ayling’s place may be in jeopardy altogether.
Kristensen was playing well before his shock exclusion last weekend, but given how cautious Marsch was around a three-game week, that call may be down to fitness rather than form. The Dane has a big chance of reclaiming his right-back slot.
Tyler Adams would be a big miss again for Leeds if he does not shake off his calf issue at Anfield. Sam Greenwood was something of a passenger in the middle on Sunday and even though he may not have the defensive attributes to be a force in the double pivot, Mateusz Klich’s experience may edge out the former Arsenal youth alongside Marc Roca.
If Klich is employed further back it means the front four should pick itself. Patrick Bamford is the obvious choice in Rodrigo and Joe Gelhardt’s absences, while Crysencio Summerville has a clear run at the flank Luis Sinisterra will vacate if he cannot pass fit.
Predicted line-up: Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Llorente, Struijk; Klich, Roca; Summerville, Aaronson, Harrison; Bamford.
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