In a break from what seems like tradition, Marcelo Bielsa had no new injuries to announce before Leeds United’s trip to Luton Town.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Argentinian confirmed Eddie Nketiah and Adam Forshaw remain out of contention, but Ezgjan Alioski is back after sitting out North Macedonia’s qualifiers over the international break.
Liam Cooper and Jamie Shackleton face late fitness tests. Cooper was thought to be sidelined after suffering a recurrence of his groin injury in the 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers two weeks ago, but the skipper could be back be sooner than expected once again.
That gives Bielsa the option of going with the same XI which recorded back-to-back victories over Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn before the international break.
However, Stuart Dallas faces competition from the two senior left-backs Alioski and Barry Douglas, while creative talisman Pablo Hernandez will be pushing to get back in the starting 11, having appeared from the bench in each of United’s last two outings.
Patrick Bamford ended his 10-match goalless streak with a penalty against Blackburn and he’ll be keen to go on a run now, while Tyler Roberts will eye a third consecutive start in behind him, alongside the ever-present Mateusz Klich.
Leif Davis could drop out of the squad altogether in place of Alioski, with Bielsa suddenly stacked with options at left-back.
Here’s who we predict will make the 18-man squad:
Full Leeds United squad: Ilan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Barry Douglas, Ben White, Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford, Tyler Roberts, Kiko Casilla, Stuart Dallas, Helder Costa, Pablo Hernandez, Jack Harrison, Kalvin Phillips, Gaetano Berardi, Jamie Shackleton, Mateusz Klich, Ezgjan Alioski, Jack Clarke.
Visit our dedicated Leeds United page for the latest news, views and analysis from Elland Road.
