Rodrigo replaces Bamford, new centre-back to start – How Leeds should line-up against Liverpool for opening Premier League game
Leeds have been waiting 16 years to return to the Premier League and face a tough test in their first game back.
The Whites were relegated in 2004 and plummeted to League One, but Marcelo Bielsa helped them complete their long journey back and they topped the Championship last season.
Bielsa is hugely popular with Leeds players and fans
Their mercurial manager has inspired a new and exciting brand of football at Leeds and brings it to Anfield on Saturday – with commentary live on talkSPORT at 5.30pm.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said: “For possibly the first time in their history, Leeds have become everyone’s second team.
“Fans are intrigued by Bielsa. They want him in the Premier League and I want to analyse his teams and try to find out exactly what he does.
“Bielsa is someone who some of the best managers in the world look up to.
“There is something special there, something different, and I am delighted that Leeds have come back up because it’s great to have another big club in the Premier League.”
The record-breaking signing of Rodrigo from Valencia is a serious statement of intent from Leeds
Leeds have made a number of signings ahead of the new season but there is one player they couldn’t get their hands on.
Ben White was on loan from Brighton last season and featured in all 46 Championship games on their way to promotion.
The Yorkshire club understandably wanted him back but the Seagulls were unwilling to let him go and rejected three bids.
Bielsea eventually had to turn his attention elsewhere with Robin Koch signed from Freiburg for £11.7million.
‘Surprise package’ Leeds United tipped to finish above Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in Champions League race
A new striker was signed in Spain international Rodrigo, who will likely take over the starting spot from Patrick Bamford.
He cost £27m from Valencia, who are in financial trouble and need to sell players.
Helder Costa and Illan Meslier were signed on permanent deals from Wolves and Lorient respectively.
How Leeds should look against Liverpool
Bielsa favoured a 4-1-4-1 formation in the Championship last season and all the pieces are in place for that to continue in the Premier League.
Koch will slot in next to Liam Cooper in the heart of the defence with Kalvin Phillips sitting just in front occupying the defensive midfield role.
The wingers and full-backs will have their work cut out against Liverpool having to contend with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson getting forward at any opportunity.
Phillips is set to showcase his talents to a wider audience in the Premier League
A midfield four of Jack Harrison, Pablo Hernandez, Mateusz Klich and Helder Costa performed well last season and there’s unlikely to be any change.
Hernandez is 35 and may not have the legs for the long gruelling season ahead but will still play a key part.
Expect Rodrigo to go straight into the team with Bamford lining-up on the bench.
How Leeds should line-up against Liverpool on Saturday
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