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Joe Mewis

'A risk' Leeds United fans react as Liam Cooper injury forces Marcelo Bielsa into defensive reshuffle

Marcelo Bielsa has been forced into a defensive reshuffle after Liam Cooper was ruled out of Leeds United's trip to Huddersfield Town with a calf strain.

With Kalvin Phillips suspended, the Whites head coach as been forced into two changes, with Gaetano Berardi and Gjanni Alioski coming into the starting XI at the John Smith's Stadium.

The Whites are facing their West Yorkshire neighbours for the first time in almost three years and were already without Phillips after he picked up his fifth booking of the season last weekend and he is joined on the sidelines by the Leeds skipper Cooper.

Bielsa has called on Ben White to move forward out of defence and replace Phillips in central midfield, with Berardi set to partner Luke Ayling at the back, while Alioski will come in at left-back. Stuart Dallas completes the defence at right-back, with Kiko Casilla continuing in goal.

White will be partnered in central midfielder by Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernandez, with Jack Harrison and Helder Costa on the flanks.

Patrick Bamford continues up front after netting three times in his last four appearances.

Eddie Nketiah is again on the bench after he returned from injury last weekend against Middlesbrough, where there is also space for young duo Bryce Hosannah and Oliver Casey.

Injured trio Jamie Shackleton, Adam Forshaw and Tyler Roberts miss out.

A win will see Leeds return to the top of the Championship, with current leaders West Brom hosting Swansea tomorrow lunchtime.

Leeds United: Casilla, Dallas, Ayling, Berardi, Alioski, White, Klich, Costa, Harrison, Hernandez, Bamford

Subs: Miazek, Douglas, Hosannah, Casey, Gotts, Clarke, Nketiah

Here's how Leeds fans reacted to the team news...

Visit our  dedicated Leeds United page  for the latest news, views and analysis from Elland Road.

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