Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa will be looking for a reaction from his side after they suffered their first league defeat of the season against Swansea before the international break.
That saw Swansea leapfrog Leeds to the top of the table with Bielsa’s men dropping to third.
Sunday’s opponents Barnsley haven’t had a good start to the season and sit fourth from bottom after registering just one win from their first six games.
Leeds are on a high after agreeing new deals for Kalvin Phillips, Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper, and Bielsa has almost a full squad to choose from with just Luke Ayling out injured now after Tyler Roberts made his return for the Under-23s on Monday.
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier put in a stunning display for the Under-23s against Palace on Monday, with a penalty stop and a world-class save late on helping to secure a point for his side. However, the best he can hope for is the bench, with Kiko Casilla the solid number one.
Defenders
This is the first real question for Bielsa. Barry Douglas is back from injury and we think he’ll come back in the side at the expense of Ezgjan Alioski. Douglas might not have hit the heights he achieved with Wolves but he offers better attacking possibilities down the left. Cooper and Ben White should be in the centre with Dallas on the right.
Midfielders
Securing Phillips on a new long-term contract was huge for Leeds and he should take his normal defensive mid position against Barnsley. The big change we can see Bielsa making is dropping Adam Forshaw to accommodate Helder Costa for his first league start. Leeds need a different string to their attack after blanking against Swansea and it’s time for Costa to be unleashed. Pablo Hernandez can move into the number 10 position alongside Mateusz Klich.
Attackers
Jack Harrison could be the other man sacrificed for Costa but Bielsa is a big fan of the Man City loanee and we think he’ll play on Sunday. Patrick Bamford will hold off the challenge of Eddie Nketiah for another week and Costa will look to provide the chances for him.
Injuries
Tyler Roberts played 45 minutes on Monday for the Under-23s but he’s unlikely to feature on Sunday. We can see Bielsa starting him for the Under-23s before putting him on the first-team bench. Luke Ayling is the only injury for Bielsa now and the right-back isn’t expected to return for another month.
TiF verdict
Leeds will have too much for Barnsley. They shouldn’t have lost to Swansea, dominating the game but failing to put their chances away. Barnsley have conceded nine in six games and we think they’ll concede a few more on Sunday.
Barnsley 0 – 3 Leeds
Watch It!
The game is being broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK on Sunday with a kick-off time of 12.30pm.
This is the starting XI we think Bielsa will put out on Sunday:
