With security in the Premier League and confidence high after a fantastic victory over Manchester City, Leeds will play with even more freedom than usual against Liverpool on Monday night.
On the start of the season, the pair played a seven-goal thriller, which the Reds just edged. Mohamed Salah took a hat-trick in the 4-3 victory and Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt have put together a plan to keep the Egyptian quiet this time.
Whether they will succeed or not is a completely different matter. Anyway, here’s the first XI who’s likely to be accused of stopping Salah and Liverpool on Monday night …
Meslier improves for each game | Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
Illan Meslier (GK) – The young Frenchman made several important stops in the City victory and will look for his tenth clean season on Monday night.
Luke Ayling (RB) – It took a while for Ayling to reach the Premier League, but now he is here he has taken full advantage of his chance and missed a single second of Leeds’ season so far.
Diego Llorente (CB) – After a slow start to the campaign due to injury, Llorente has made the midfield position his own in recent times.
Pascal Struijk (CB) – With Liam Cooper suspended after his controversial straight red card last week, Struijk – who has been reliable when called up this season – is starting at the back.
Ezgjan Alioski (LB) – Alioski’s future after the end of the season is uncertain. For the time being, however, he will continue on the left back with Salah who is his opposite number on Monday night.
Can Dallas score again? | Michael Regan / Getty Images
Stuart Dallas (CM) – Dallas broke many Fantasy Premier League players’ hearts by hanging on a brace last week. Always a reliable scorer, most FPL managers dropped him to the bench for the City match. Let it be a lesson for them all – never doubt Cookstown Cafu.
Kalvin Phillips (CM) – All Phillips needs to do is stay injury free and he will likely start for England in this summer’s Euro. This is proof of his brilliant season.
Tyler Roberts (AM) – With Rodrigo still continuing his recovery from injury, Roberts continues in an attacking midfield position. He played well against City, connected the game nicely and kept things up when needed.
Raphinha should return to the team | Visionhaus / Getty Images
Jack Harrison (RW) – Harrison was prevented from playing against his parent club in Leeds’ last match but there will be no such problem this time.
Patrick Bamford (ST) – Compared to the high demands he has made this season, Bamfords’ goal in the last six Premier League matches is somewhat disappointing. He wants to improve his record on Monday.
Raphinha (LW) – After coming off against City, Leeds hope that the Brazilian will return in time for this one. This is good news because Raphinha has been in excellent form lately.
