Sam Allardyce has named his first Leeds United starting XI as the Whites prepare to take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The head coach has made four changes to the side Leeds fielded at Bournemouth last weekend with the headline being a change between the sticks.
Illan Meslier has struggled for confidence and form over the last few games and Allardyce has chosen to take him out of the firing line. Joel Robles is the man to come into the side and it is hoped his experience can provide a steady presence at the back.
Robin Koch drops out of the side, too, with the Germany international moving to the bench. That means Max Wober comes into the line-up and with Liam Cooper being out injured, it seems he’ll partner Luke Ayling in the heart of the defence.
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Allardyce seems to have gone with a three-man midfield with Adam Forshaw stepping in to make his first start of the calendar year, with Marc Roca and Weston McKennie being amongst those to keep their spot in the line-up.
It’s no surprise to see Patrick Bamford start up front after being singled out by the former England boss during his first press conference, while Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison get the nods on the wings.
Leeds United: Joel Robles; Rasmus Kristensen, Luke Ayling, Max Wober, Junior Firpo; Marc Roca, Adam Forshaw, Weston McKennie, Jack Harrison, Wilfried Gnonto, Patrick Bamford.
Bench: Illan Meslier, Robin Koch, Sam Greenwood, Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter, Rodrigo, Brenden Aaronson, Pascal Struijk, Crysencio Summerville.
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