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Joe Donnohue

Predicted Leeds United XI as Marcelo Bielsa ponders defensive switch to contain Burnley attack

Leeds United are no strangers to the threats Chris Wood poses in attack, and will come up against the former Whites striker tomorrow.

Marcelo Bielsa was not the Leeds boss during Wood's time, or the last outing against Burnley, as he is set to face a clash of styles at Elland Road this weekend.

Burnley are a robust, rigorous outfit under Sean Dyche, priding themselves on their physicality. Leeds are similar in that they boast one of the furthest distances ran as a team this season, but their physical attributes at dead-ball situations certainly don't match up to those of the Clarets.

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It gives Bielsa a decision to make over who he fields in defence, as the sizeable duo of Wood and Barnes would certainly trouble a smaller defender.

That means Pascal Struijk could be in line for a recall to the starting XI. The Dutchman is one of the tallest players in Leeds' first-team squad and can deputise at centre-back if necessary.

Without captain Liam Cooper who misses out due to an abdominal injury, or Robin Koch who continues his recovery from knee surgery, Leeds are depleted.

Diego Llorente has been back in training this week, but questions will be raised over his fitness and suitability in going up against two of the Premier League's toughest forwards.

Given the choice, Bielsa would change his starting XI as little as possible, but this season his hand has been forced on multiple occasions due to injury. Consequently, tomorrow's game could see the ninth different centre-back pairing in 15 games this season, which is far from ideal.

Burnley have scored just eight times this season, compared to Leeds' 24 strikes, but the Clarets will certainly be a threat at set-pieces, an area where Leeds have been particularly porous in recent weeks.

That would be yet another argument for Struijk to start, unless Llorente can convince Marcelo Bielsa that he is first of all fit, and second up to the challenge.

It is doubtful that Bielsa will be tempted to alter his midfield or attacking setup too drastically. The withdrawals of Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich at half-time against Manchester United were perceived to be cautious as both are walking the suspension tight-rope with four yellow cards to their names.

Patrick Bamford will likely start yet again in attack, with Jack Harrison and Raphinha on the wings, supported by Rodrigo in the middle who has impressed of late.

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