Leeds fans were hoping to be lining up against old rivals Man United in the Premier League next season but missed out on promotion in the play-offs.
Another season in the Championship beckons but on Wednesday Leeds get the chance to put a dent in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pre-season preparations when the two sides meet at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
The last three results between the two teams have seen a win apiece and a draw, with Leeds travelling to Old Trafford and knocking United out of the FA Cup with a Jermaine Beckford goal in 2010.
Man United won the last encounter 3-0 in the League Cup in 2011.
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t have his entire first-team squad to pick from on Wednesday after leaving new signings including Helder Costa and Ben White at home, along with players who were late back for pre-season after international duty.
Bielsa himself has jetted out for the game late after staying behind to work with the players who remained at Thorp Arch.
However, he will still be able to name a strong starting XI and that’s what we’re expecting to see on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper
Kiko Casilla should start in goal with Bailey Peacock-Farrell part of the group that stayed back in Leeds.
Defenders
One of the big questions ahead of the new season is who is going to partner Liam Cooper at the back after Pontus Jansson was sold to Brentford. Gaetano Berardi should get the honours today with White not travelling to Australia. Barry Douglas and Stuart Dallas should take the flanks.
Midfielders
Kalvin Phillips is the player Leeds fans are desperate to keep hold of this summer and we’re expecting him to take his usual defensive mid position, with Adam Forshaw playing a more advanced role.
Attackers
Jack Harrison and Pablo Hernandez should play out on the wings and we’re expecting both Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford to play after Bielsa gave them a runout in the first pre-season friendly against York.
Key battle
Man City loanee Jack Harrison hit his stride towards the end of last season and has started pre-season strongly, with two goals and an assist in 45 minutes in the 5-0 win against York. He’s going to get a much tougher test today and will potentially find himself up against new United signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Wan-Bissaka impressed on his debut against Perth Glory on Saturday but Harrison will be extra keen to make an impression against his city rivals. Leeds fans will also be keeping a close eye on Daniel James, a player they came close to signing in January before the deal fell through on deadline day.
TIF Verdict
It’s going to be a tough game for Leeds and it might not be as friendly as both managers will be hoping for. If Leeds can come out of the game with a draw it would be a brilliant result for them but we think United will be too strong. The game kicks off at noon British time and is being shown live on MUTV and LUTV with interest expected to be huge.
Leeds 1 – 3 Man United
This is the starting XI we expect to see line-up against Man United on Wednesday:
