Leeds Utd v Burnley Match Thread
Sunday 27th December 12:00| Elland Road
Leeds skipper Liam Cooper (abdominal strain) who miss the Christmas showdown when Burnley come to Elland Road this Sunday for a lunchtime kick off. Fortunately for the Whites Diego Llorente is fit, and looks set to start only his second match of his short Elland Road tenure.
The Spanish International got thrown in at the deep end at Stamford Bridge after just 5 minutes when Robin Koch was injured. Even though he was not match fit at the time, his stats show what a shrewd purchase the former Real Sociedad player is.
Llorente completed 100% of his sliding tackles against Frank Lampard’s side and won 80% of his aerial duels. His passing success for club and Country averages 90%. Not bad for a player who wasn't fully fit!!!
It is expected that former Ajax youngster Pascal Struijk will partner Llorente at centre back allowing Ayling to return to his more familiar role bombing up and down the right wing.
Both Phillips and Klich are a yellow card away from a one game ban, though its hard to see Bielsa dropping either player as a result.
Burnley wingers Dwight McNeil and Robbie Brady both face late fitness tests after picking up respective groin and hamstring knocks. (Brady expected to recover)
Former Leeds target Matej Vydra, will miss the trip to Elland Road with a back injury, whilst long term absentee's Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Jack Cork remain sidelined.
Bielsa's Pre Match Presser
Dyche Pre Match Presser