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Joe Mewis

Pablo Hernandez returns on the bench as Marcelo Bielsa confirms Leeds United's side to face Fulham

Pablo Hernandez has returned to the Leeds United squad for this afternoon's key promotion battle against Fulham, but has had to settle for a place on the bench.

The Spaniard returned to training this week and Marcelo Bielsa has decided not to risk the 35-year-old from the start against Scott Parker's men.

That means Bielsa has named an unchanged XI from the side that lost 2-0 at Cardiff City last weekend, with Tyler Roberts keeping his place in the starting line-up.

That means Illan Meslier continues in goal in place of the suspended Kiko Casilla and will marshal a backline of Luke Ayling, Ben White, Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas.

Kalvin Phillips continues in his usual deep-lying midfield role, with Mateusz Klich making his 100th Leeds United appearance. Roberts will operate centrally, while Jack Harrison and Helder Costa will continue down the flanks.

Patrick Bamford again leads the line.

Hernandez takes his place among the nine substitutes, with Barry Douglas also returning from injury on the bench. Robbie Gotts and Leif Davis miss out on the matchday squad.

A point for Leeds would be enough for them to reclaim first place in the Championship table following West Brom's defeat to Brentford last night, while a win would see them open up a eight-point lead over the third placed Bees.

Leeds United: Meslier, Ayling, White, Cooper, Dallas, Phillips, Klich, Harrison, Costa, Roberts, Bamford.

Subs: Miazek, Douglas, Alioski, Berardi, Shackleton, Stevens, Poveda, Hernandez, Struijk

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