OPINION
Leeds will be taking part in their final game of pre-season on Saturday and it will be a particularly important match for Stuart Dallas.
The Whites host League One side Oxford United at Elland Road and it will give manager Thomas Christiansen a final look at his players before their Championship opener away to Bolton on 6 August.
Christiansen will surely have an idea of his best XI going into the new league season, but several players will be hoping to change his mind with a big performance against Oxford.
Dallas is someone who is on the fringes of the starting line-up and will feel he could do enough to force his way into contention for Bolton.
The left winger has featured prominently in pre-season for the Yorkshire giants and will be looking for a fresh start at Elland Road under Christiansen.
He made 35 appearances last season across all competitions and failed to cement a position in the starting XI, scoring three goals and supplying three assists.
The Northern Ireland international will want to play a major role in Leeds’ push for the Championship, but faces very tough competition for a starting position.
Wide men Kemar Roofe and Ezgjan Alioski could be the combination for the Whites going into the new campaign, while Hadi Sacko and Souleymane Doukara also push for a major role.
Dallas has divided opinion among the Leeds fans and is yet to show the consistency to make him a permanent starter during his two years with them.
He has the natural ability to shine in the Championship and the weekend game against Oxford could still be the perfect springboard if he performs well going into the new campaign.