Leeds United have predicted a line-up against Watford with a change as Jesse Marsch can’t leave ‘quality’ on the bench

United are hoping to go four games unbeaten for the first time this season when they face Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

It’s a huge game at the foot of the Premier League as, with the end of the season in sight, both teams are desperate to get the points they need to stay in the top flight.

The Hornets are one game short of Leeds but trail the Whites by eight points, so they must win this weekend if they hope to catch Jesse Marsch’s men.

Last time out United were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Southampton as James Ward-Prowse’s skill at free-kicks canceled out Jack Harrison’s lead.

Both Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips did well in their return to action, with the skipper unexpectedly completing the full ninety minutes while Phillips had a big impact on the game from the bench in the second half.

Whites boss Marsch was delighted to see the effect the pair’s return was having on his team.

“The point is certainly important in our season, but to have two great players like Liam and Kalvin back in the squad and closer to full fitness is huge for us right now,” Marsch said.

“We’re going to need those guys in a big way. They bring a big presence to our team, so this was a big step forward for us.

“I think that he is [Phillips] fantastic. You can see his quality, you can see his composure, you can see the confidence he brings to the group.

“When I say we were pushing in the last 15-20 minutes, I think Kalvin played a very big role in that. He came on the pitch and really sorted things out for us.

After a dramatic night at Molineux where four players were injured, Marsch’s side escaped the Saints clash largely unscathed, but Whites fans were horrified to learn that young attacking ace Joe Gelhardt had crashed. injured when he appeared for the Under-23s on Monday night. .

Supporters had hoped to see the 19-year-old start against Southampton, but Marsch revealed a false positive covid test kept Gelhardt out of training so he wasn’t quite up to it.

The teenager appeared to be in the mood for the academy side but was pulled off with a suspected dead leg. With assessments ongoing this week, United fans await the new injury update to be released by Marsch at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

This is how we expect Leeds United to line up against Roy Hodgson’s side on Saturday: