Leeds United v Stoke City tips: Marcelo Bielsa leads his side into battle
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A new season. Two new managers. But one goal of returning to the Premier League.
Marcelo Bielsa takes charge of his first game as a manager in England against Stoke City later today.
The Potters themselves have been in transition since being relegated from the top-flight last season.
Gary Rowett is now in the dugout with his sights set on earning a valuable three points at Elland Road.
Match odds
Leeds are 17/10 to win and give Bielsa the perfect welcome.
Stoke will want to prove they’re ready for the fight. Rowett’s men are 8/5 to return to the Potteries with victory.
The draw is 11/5.
Talking tactics
Jack Butland may well start in goal for Stoke. The England international appeared a certainty to leave at one point but could now begin as the clubs number one this season.
The centre-back duo of Ryan Shawcross and Bruno Martins-Indi should be a real scourge of Championship forwards this season.
A fresh attack of Tom Ince, Benik Afobe and James McClean looks lively.
While Rowett elects for a 4-3-3 formation, Bielsa – ever the innovator – will likely field a 3-3-1-3 formation.
This should free up new loan signings Lewis Baker and Jack Harrison to create opportunities for Patrick Bamford or Kemar Roofe.
Goalscorer odds
In Rowett’s last 85 away games as a manager, his teams have only scored a combined 91 goals.
However, he now has a strike-force of Premier League level that is proven in the Championship.
Afobe is 9/5 to notch in the game and 10/1 to score two goal or more.
Patrick Bamford will be Bielsa’s focal point up top. The former Chelsea youngster is 6/4 to score any time.
Peter Crouch could feature at some point for The Potters. The former England man is 11/2 to bag the last goal.
Match info
Where: Elland Road, Leeds
When: 7:45pm
How to watch it: Sky Sports Football / Sky Sports Main Event
Click here for all our Leeds v Stoke odds
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
