Leeds host Queens Park Rangers this weekend as they look to extend their three-game winning run in the Championship.
The tale of this game is that United are going to be plagued by an ever-growing injury list, leaving Marcelo Bielsa with no choice but to dip into the U23’s yet again.
Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper have both been ruled out for four to six weeks, with foot and knee injuries respectively, after the away win at Bramall Lane.
Cooper was replaced by 20-year-old defender Aapo Halme in the first half, throwing the Finn in at the deep end as he made just his second senior appearance for the club.
Halme coped well as Leeds managed to keep Chris Wilder’s team at bay for the majority of the game to secure a third successive clean sheet since the 4-1 pummelling away at West Brom last month.
The area of concern for Saturday’s fixture is who will replace Stuart Dallas, the Northern Ireland international has been filling in a right back following long-term injuries to Luke Ayling and Gaetano Berardi.
The only other player to play that position previously in Jamie Shackleton, the 19-year-old midfielder who Bielsa earmarked earlier in the season as a young player he could trust.
QPR have had an inconsistent start to the season, but after a good spell of results find themselves in the top half of the table, meaning The Whites can by no means rest on their laurels in a game they are expected to win.
Here’s how we think Bielsa will decide line up his team…
Bailey Peacock-Farrell
Looked weak at commanding his area against Sheffield United but also made some crucial saves, has shown impressive character since returning to the XI
Jamie Shackleton
Bielsa seems to trust the 19-year-old and had the belief in him to hand a start at full-back against Swansea. Seems the most obvious replacement.
Aapo Halme
Has shown impressive composure since coming into the first team set up and does not seem phased by a big occasion.
Pontus Jansson
Will be important that Pontus can marshal his young partner through the game and be the experienced head.
Barry Douglas
The one fit full-back in the squad has been very consistent and provides a threat from wide areas and set pieces.
Kalvin Phillips
Back in his most effective position in front of the back four. Will allow him to start attacks from deep with his impressive range of passing.
Adam Forshaw
Divides opinion but Bielsa has opted for the Englishman over Samu Saiz in recent weeks for his defensive solidity.
Mateusz Klich
Has been an important source of goals in this team and one of the most influential players so far.
Pablo Hernandez
Leeds’ creative spark and PFA fans player of the month for November. In his best form since joining Leeds in 2016 making him virtually undroppable.
Jack Clarke
The 18-year-old winger has replaced Gianni Alioski at halftime in both of the previous two wins and made a positive impact in each. Banging down the door for his first start after his assist on Saturday.
Kemar Roofe
The goal poacher and legs upfront, Roofe is another player in his best form for the club since joining from Oxford United in 2016.