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Joe Donnohue

Predicted Leeds United XI as Manchester United's counter-attacking threat poses questions

Leeds United visit Old Trafford for the first time in 10 years tomorrow, with both eyes firmly set on all three points.

Despite having one of the Premier League's most porous defences in terms of goals conceded, Leeds will likely approach the game in exactly the same way they have treated every fixture this season: proactively.

Manchester United showed their quality in the 3-2 midweek victory over fellow Yorkshiremen Sheffield United, coming back from a goal behind to seal all three points.

However, the Red Devils did concede courtesy of a Dean Henderson error and another goal from a set-piece, indicating there are chinks in their expensively-assembled armour.

Man Utd v Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa press conference

Marcelo Bielsa will be tasked with the key decisions in terms of team selection, but was giving nothing away in his pre-match press conference with regards to team news.

Without question though, the Argentine will be wary of Manchester United's attacking threat. Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes would walk into most Premier League sides and must be dealt with accordingly.

After scoring five against Newcastle United last time out, it is unlikely Bielsa will tinker with any of the elements in his attacking equation. Patrick Bamford found himself on the scoresheet for the ninth time this season, while Rodrigo headed a beautifully-controlled effort into the corner to double his tally for the campaign.

Raphinha ebbed and flowed, particularly in the first half when he saw plenty of the ball at his feet, and it is likely this trio will start once again.

Jack Harrison is another whose performance on Wednesday evening warrants another start at left-wing. A splendid strike and an arguably even better assist mean he could feel hard done by if Bielsa opts to leave him out of his starting XI.

The big questions remain over the Leeds defence for the upcoming clash.

With few options at his disposal, Bielsa will likely choose Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper as his centre-back pairing, but will desperately need pace on the flanks to contend with Manchester United's counter-attacks.

Ezgjan Alioski does have speed in his locker and will likely reprise his role as deputy left-back despite some clear deficiencies to his game. That means Stuart Dallas could start once again on the opposite side at right-back. It is not the Northern Irishman's preferred role, but he has become something of a willing utility player and his work-rate cannot be faulted.

Jamie Shackleton's return to fitness and Leif Davis' presence around the matchday squads does give Bielsa alternatives, but the first Pennines derby in the Premier League for 16 years may be too big an occasion to throw the youngsters in at the deep end.

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