After his introduction at Leeds United and a late press conference, Javi Gracia is ready to take the Whites into his first match as manager of the Yorkshire side. See Last Word on Football’s Leeds United predicted lineup and how the club will adapt to having the Spaniard in the role.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup vs Southampton
How Leeds United Have Lined-up Recently
Leeds United have recently lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape. Illan Meslier starts in goal behind Max Wober and Robin Koch, with Junior Firpo playing out on the left and Luke Ayling starting at right back. Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are at the base of midfield, recovering the ball and looking to use it to start promising moves.
The line of three includes Wilfried Gnonto on the left, with Jack Harrison playing in the middle as a ten. Crysencio Summerville tends to start on the right wing. The currently out of form Patrick Bamford plays as a striker for the Whites, with Rodrigo still out.
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Javi Gracia Tactics
Fans of Watford will know all about Javi Gracia, who took the club to an FA Cup final a few years ago. One of his most common tactics is a relatively slim 4-4-2, using inverted wingers to overload the defenders on the inside and provide gaps on the outside for full-backs to run into. The Spaniard also has a record of defensive solidity, making a note of his new club’s excessive number of concessions so far this season.
In spite of this, Gracia won’t necessarily be able to implement his ideas in time to welcome Southampton to Elland Road. Having only gotten his work permit the day before the match, he’ll be relying on the existing coaching staff to communicate his new ideas to the squad.
Leeds United Injuries to Consider
Leeds United have a raft of injuries littering the squad. Rodrigo remains out with an ankle injury, with Stuart Dallas still on the long road back to recovery from an injury gained last season. Adam Forshaw and Archie Gray are also not yet ready to feature.
There is better news for players Leeds fans will have missed. Luis Sinisterra faces a late fitness test, with Pascal Struijk potentially returning from a concussion issue. Marc Roca and Liam Cooper are also close, with Max Wober likely facing a late fitness check after dislocating his shoulder.
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Leeds United Predicted Lineup
- Illan Meslier
- Luke Ayling
- Liam Cooper
- Robin Koch
- Junior Firpo
- Tyler Adams
- Weston McKennie
- Marc Roca
- Wilfried Gnonto
- Jack Harrison
- Patrick Bamford
