Marcelo Bielsa has continued to live up to his reputation for naming a teamsheet ahead of a game, and fans have been reacting to the XI that will face Swansea.
Clearly by Leeds United’s current league standing Bielsa’s unorthodox methods of naming the XI early has not prevented the Whites from challenging for promotion, and a win against the Swans will keep the Elland Road outfit in the automatic places regardless of results elsewhere.
If mid-table Preston North End can get a result against Norwich, as well, top spot could be within touching distance depending on goal difference, with the Canaries currently two points and five goals to the good.
Wednesday night’s clash will also be the first time Daniel James returns to Yorkshire following his failed deadline day move, and the winger will be up against Ezgjan Alioski, Liam Cooper, Pontus Jansson, and Luke Ayling in an unchanged backline from the side who drew at Middlesbrough.
The only change to the XI that featured at the weekend will be Pablo Hernandez coming in for Jack Clarke after the teenager was taken to hospital during Saturday’s draw.
Not every Whites fan is happy to see a mostly unchanged side, however, with some noting their reservations about the inclusion of Ayling for what will be his 24th game of the season despite a lapse in form of late…
Bench will be looking stronger. This team should get the win. 2-0
— Parma (@Parma__D) February 12, 2019
I’d trust Bielsa and his team selection above anyone. It’s a bit narcissistic to think you know better. I love a coach who sticks by his players, Bill will come good again
— Dom (@dommer14) February 12, 2019
Agree Ayling has struggled a bit since coming back from injury but MB has picked Ayling because he knows More than we do
Instead of getting on his back why don`t we just support him— Paul Turner (@st07pat) February 12, 2019
— alex #freeshackleton (@MikeDeansSon) February 12, 2019
Glad to see Klich is alright. Love that Bamford still in the squad
— Wilson ???????? (@LUFCWilsonn) February 12, 2019
You don’t start players who are out of form, you pick your most in form players to start. No team can carry any player. He was brilliant but not been the same since his injury.
— Aram (@AramLeeds) February 12, 2019
Why people are looking at Ayling when Harrison is still stealing a place in this first 11 is beyond me
— Ross Baker (@bigmaester) February 12, 2019
Looking good that with Jamie Shackleton pushing Luke Ayling.Tyler Roberts pushing the strikers & option at10.Izzy Brown nearly ready but can impact from the bench over next few weeks. Adam Forshaw & hopefully Jack Clarke as well we have a decent squad with impact subs.#lufc #MOT
— Marc F ???????? (@billywigwam13) February 12, 2019
#harrison blackmails bielsa
— Barkerz (@THEbarkerboy98) February 12, 2019
sorry, but i couldnt care less how much of a god Bielsa supposedly is, persisting with Ayling is a mistake.
— Steve???????? (@Yorkie6013) February 12, 2019