Leeds host Italian Serie B side Cagliari at Elland Road today (Sunday 31st July) with a changed kick off time of 18:45pm. The England Lionesses have reached the final of Euro 22 against Germany, which will get underway at 17:00pm, and it was agreed by both clubs to change the kick off time to accommodate.
In the last pre-season game before the Premier League gets underway next weekend, and coach Jesse Marsch will be eager to play a side that will more resemble the team that will start against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 6th. The club have been quiet on the injuries to Adam Forshaw and Luis Sinisterra sustained in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. Cagliari should be a good test for Leeds, So what can we expect to see?
Last season Cagliari were relegated from Serie A, the first time they have played out of the top flight since 2015/16 season. They finished 18th, missing out by just one point. Having only scored 34 goals all season, whilst conceding double that at 68. They won only one of their last eleven games and subsequently sacked head coach, Walter Mazzarri. They are now coached by former Leyton Orient boss, Fabio Liverani.
The Italian side have had a good pre-season so far, beating Serie C side Olbia, and then securing an impressive 2-1 win against Ligue 1 side, Strasbourg. The trip to England to face Jesse Marsch’s side will be their toughest test so far though.
Leeds will more than likely line up as follows:
Gk Illan Meslier
RB Rasmus Kristensen
CB Robin Koch
CB Pascal Struijk
LB Leo Hjelde
CDM Tyler Adams
CDM Marc Roca
CAM Brendan Aaronson
RM Dan James
LM Jack Harrison
ST Patrick Bamford
With no press conference taken place before this game, we don’t know much about injuries and have heard little in the way of fitness updates. Liam Cooper was still struggling with a calf injury, and the Sinisterra situation has been alarmingly quiet in recent days. Archie Gray shrugged off the effects of the strong tackle against Aston Villa and was involved in the Palace game.
This match will be played in front of a packed crowd and will be a good test for the squad. It will also give the new additions a taste of the atmosphere at a sold out Elland Road.
What do Leeds fans think? Will Leeds line up like this or do you think Marsch will try something different? Let us know in the comments.
Up Next: Marsch to go all out on summer target.