Leeds United vs Middlesbrough - Leeds boss Bielsa set to revert to strongest line-up

Posted Thursday, August 30, 2018 by PA

Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa is likely to revert to the side that saw off Norwich so convincingly last weekend when they come up against Middlesbrough in a top-of-the-table clash.

Bielsa made nine changes for the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Preston, but is likely to return to the group of players who have started the Sky Bet Championship season so well.

That leaves Pontus Jansson and Kalvin Phillips as the only two likely to retain their spots, with Kemar Roofe expected to return at the expense of Patrick Bamford – who faces his old side.

Izzy Brown is set to sign for the Whites before Friday’s loan deadline but is not expected to be fit for a couple of weeks, while Liam Cooper (hamstring) also remains injured.

Boro boss Tony Pulis has added Sam McQueen to his squad ahead of the game.

The Southampton full-back will spend the rest of the season on loan at the Riverside Stadium.

In-form forward Martin Brathwaite could be on his way out of the club having asked to leave amid interest from Spain, meaning Jordan Hugill is likely to lead the line.

Rudy Gestede is another who has been linked with a move away, but otherwise Pulis is likely to go back to a similar side to the one that beat West Brom last Friday.