OPINION
Leeds kick-off the Championship on August 4 against Bristol City.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa likes to stick with the same group of players so his first line-up will be very significant.
We’re presuming that key players Kemar Roofe and Kalvin Phillips will be staying – if so, we can see Roofe starting with Bamford on the bench.
Jack Clarke is likely to be a Leeds player still, even if his move to Tottenham goes through. He’s set to rejoin on loan but will only make the bench.
Jack Harrison is back for another season and he starts on the left but the addition that could make all the difference to Leeds is Helder Costa. Leeds are currently closing in on a move for the Wolves winger and looking to get an option to buy in the loan deal. If he signs he starts on the right.
That means Pablo Hernandez moving into the number 10 spot with Adam Forshaw alongside him. Kalvin Phillips will be in the defensive mid spot.
There could be changes in defence but we’re going to assume that Leeds hold onto Pontus Jansson, meaning Ben White will be on the bench. Barry Douglas will hopefully show what he’s capable of on the left after a mixed season.
There were strong rumours that Kiko Casilla was going to leave this summer but those stories have gone quiet. If he does go then Bailey Peacock-Farrell should take the gloves but if he stays Casilla will be the number one again.
There’s still plenty of time for new signings, too, but with this line-up Leeds already have impact on the bench – Ezgjan Alioski, Mateusz Kilch, Jack Clarke, Patrick Bamford, Jamie Shackleton and Ben White.
This is the starting XI that we could see Bielsa putting out against Bristol City on August 4.
