The second season curse is looming over Leeds United as after a great first season, they just registered their second win this season, the last weekend. Leicester City, on the other hand, continues their roller-coaster season as after 4 continuous wins, they have displayed the worst possible game that Rodgers just can not stand with. So, the game is more where which team will be worse than the other allowing the opposition to capitalize on.
Leeds and Bielsa just are not clicking the way they did the last season. Bamford’s absence is hurting the team much more than anything and someone who knows Bielsa must know how restless the man must be right now. Expect a response from the old man and they just have the best opportunity to use this game to turn their fortunes for the season.
The loss against Arsenal followed by dropping points in a winnable match in Europa League, Leicester City just continues to disappoint their own fans. Rodgers’ team looked convincing in their 4-match winning streak but lack of consistency has hit the team once again as in the two games, they did not look even at half their best. But, a trip to Elland Road is the perfect opportunity to get their things right considerations of a packed schedule of games.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Venue: Elland Road.
Date: Sunday, 7th November 2021.
Time: 15:00 (BST).
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Darren England.
Assistant referees: Gary Beswick and Dan Robathan.
Fourth official: Robert Jones.
VAR: Peter Bankes, Neil Davies
TEAM NEWS
Leeds will be without star forward Patrick Bamford alongside Ayling and Koch. While Bielsa has something to cheer about as Junior Firpo makes the squad. Doubts over Shackelton still remain as the youngster will be fighting to get into the squad.
Leicester fans could be delighted with the possibility of Maddison and Barnes being ready for the game. But Justin, Fofana, and Albrighton are still out and Periera’s inclusion is still not certain.
MATCH ANALYSIS
Leeds United have just not been the same side which was troubling the big giants, last season. Registering just 2 wins in the opening 10 games is just something no one expected before the season start. The latest win did come the last weekend when Raphinha’s super strike followed by a winner by Rodrigo helped them to claim win against the then bottom-placed Norwich team.
Bamford is clearly being missed by Leeds United as the final product for them is missing. They have managed just 10 goals in the league this season which is the third joint lowest from all the teams. Raphinha has carried them in many matches but he needs support upfront if Leeds wants to keep themselves away from the relegation zone. With doubts over Shackelton, Klick will be deployed once again. Harrison has to step up and help Bielsa heal the void left by Bamford.
Leicester’s first 20 minutes display against Arsenal the last weekend, was one of the worst displays by the team. The team looked completely switched off, as Arsenal took the advantage to score twice in the time span. The performance against United and then against Arsenal was just completely contradicting to the fact that the same team played the two games in a span of 15 days. Ndidi must return to the squad to fill in the midfield and support Teilemans. Vardy will take his spot up top over Daka who could be the super sub if needed. Rodgers would for sure want to take the momentum in his favor before the International Break.
PREDICTED XI
Leeds United predicted XI: Meslier; Llorente, Struijk, Cooper; Klich, Phillips, Dallas; Raphinha, Rodrigo, James; Harrison.
Leicester City predicted XI: Schmeichel; Amartey, Soyuncu, Evans; Pereira, Tielemans, Ndidi, Castagne; Maddison; Iheanacho, Vardy.
