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Leeds expected XI v Brentford

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Marcelo Bielsa is expected to make one change to his starting line-up for Leeds United’s Championship clash against Brentford at Elland Road on Saturday.

Barry Douglas is injured and could be replaced by fringe player Tom Pearce, who would earn his first league appearance of the 2018/19 season if he was to feature.

Other than that, Bielsa is not likely to make any changes, with continuity becoming one of the Argentine’s key managerial characteristics at Elland Road.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell could start in goals behind a back-four of Luke Ayling, Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper and Pearce.

Gaetano Berardi remains injured and while Stuart Dallas could be called upon to play at left-back, it is more likely that Bielsa will stick with a natural full-back like Pearce.

Kalvin Phillips, Samuel Saiz and Mateusz Klich are pretty much nailed to start in Leeds’ central midfield, who will undoubtedly face a tough test against Dean Smith’s high-flying Brentford.

Jack Harrison could start on the right with Ezgjan Alioski, despite major criticism from fans, on the left.

Tyler Roberts has been in lethal form lately and is expected to start in the lone striker role.

Leeds have won just two of their last 10 meetings with Brentford, but will be pleased to know that they beat them in this fixture last season when Liam Cooper’s goal have Paul Heckingbottom his first win in charge of the Whites.

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