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Bielsa makes 3 changes, 20 y/o starts but no place for Alioski: Predicted Leeds XI vs Blackburn

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Image for Bielsa makes 3 changes, 20 y/o starts but no place for Alioski: Predicted Leeds XI vs Blackburn

Leeds United are just six games away from a place in the Premier League, providing they don’t mess things up.

In midweek, there was a glimpse of that happening as they struggled to see past relegation-threatened Luton Town as the two teams took a share of the spoils at Elland Road.

What's your prediction for this afternoon?

Blackburn win

Draw

Draw

Leeds win

Now Marcelo Bielsa’s side are on their travels as they face a trip to Lancashire to face Blackburn Rovers, who themselves need to pick up a few results to make the playoffs.

The Argentine has a selection dilemma on his hands given a couple of injury doubts, so what side will he put out this afternoon?

Here’s what we are predicting…

Leeds predicted XI vs Blackburn Rovers

Illan Meslier is a shoo-in to remain between the sticks along with Ben White and Luke Ayling also keeping their places from the midweek draw.

Skipper Liam Cooper limped off after just 12 minutes on Tuesday, but he could be fit enough to feature once again while Stuart Dallas, who has been playing a left-back seems a cert to miss out.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay who delivered an update earlier in the week.

It means that Barry Douglas could come in for his first start since a defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in January. His touch from set-pieces could be vital after a shocking attempt against the Hatters.

Gjanni Alioski would feel hard done by given his goal and assist in his last two substitute appearances, but he’s working very well off the bench so it may be best to keep it that way.

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Leeds United's Luke Ayling celebrates scoring their first goal v Huddersfield Town

Who assisted Luke Ayling's opener vs Huddersfield on March 7?

The midfield sees the two final changes with Pablo Hernandez finally starting a game post-lockdown. Bielsa has wrapped him up in cotton wool since the return, so it’s time to unleash him.

Mateusz Klich has been off the boil lately, so a chance may be handed to Jamie Shackleton to impress, the 20-year-old partners the Spanish wizard in front of Kalvin Phillips.

The rest of the side is likely to remain the same with Jack Harrison and Helder Costa out wide and Patrick Bamford leading the line.

Tyler Roberts is another to unfortunately miss out.

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