Promising Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben White has been tipped by Leeds Live to make his second United first-team appearance during the Whites’ pre-season friendly with Cagliari Calcio.
Leeds are due to kick-off our final senior clash before the Championship curtain-raiser with Bristol City at 19:30 on Saturday, July 27, with Marcelo Bielsa expected to field a strong side close to what will challenge the Robins at Ashton Gate.
Bielsa’s men taken to the Sardegna Arena only left for Sardinia on Friday night, with the Argentine including several first-team names who missed the tour of Australia.
The boss left White in West Yorkshire while United faced Manchester United and Western Sydney Wanderers as he felt the Brighton loanee needed time to work on his fitness, having made his Leeds debut against Guiseley.
Poole-born White is likely to be a regular fixture of the Leeds first-team when the Championship term commences following Pontus Jansson’s departure, making Saturday’s encounter with Cagliari a great opportunity to test the 5 ft 9 ace alongside Liam Cooper.
Kalvin Phillips could be dropped into the backline to offer support if needed, but the in-demand midfield anchor is expected to remain in his best position for the friendly with the Whites’ Serie A opposition.
Sevilla-linked Kiko Casilla is in line to start between the sticks over rumoured Burnley target Bailey Peacock-Farrell, while Stuart Dallas and Barry Douglas are due to feature on the wings of the backline.
Leeds Live expect Pablo Hernandez and Mateusz Klich to join Phillips in midfield ahead of Adam Forshaw, with Patrick Bamford lining up in attack alongside Helder Costa and one of Jack Clarke or Jack Harrison.
A select eleven will also be in action on July 27, as United face Spanish Segunda Division outfit Girona at Manchester City’s training ground, having switched the encounter from Tadcaster Albion earlier in the week.