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Premier League | Gameweek 9
Nov 22, 2020 at 4.30pm UK
Elland Road
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Leeds
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Arsenal


Dallas (15'), Cooper (86'), Phillips (90+3')
FT

Pepe (52')

Kalvin Phillips in contention to start for Leeds against Arsenal

The England international is likely to start against Arsenal on Sunday.

Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips is back in contention and expected to start Sunday's home Premier League game against Arsenal.

Phillips tore shoulder ligaments in last month's home defeat to Wolves and has missed Leeds' last three Premier League matches, including successive 4-1 defeats to Leicester and Crystal Palace.

When asked if the England international was fit enough to start at Elland Road, boss Marcelo Bielsa said: "It's probable. I can't guarantee it, but it's probable."

Leeds will also be boosted by the return of club record signing Rodrigo, who has also missed the last two games after a period of isolation having recently tested positive for Covid-19.

"It's less likely he (Rodrigo) will start," Bielsa added. "But he will be there (in the squad)."

Phillips' presence in front of Bielsa's defence has been sorely missed as Leeds have slipped to 15th place following back-to-back defeats.

The 24-year-old's latest setback – he missed the final three games of last season due to a knee injury – also cost him his place in the England squad.

He missed the friendly win against the Republic of Ireland and last week's Nations League games against Belgium and Iceland.

"Phillips is a player who usually plays," Bielsa added. "The players who play regularly, it's always important to count on them.

"The evolution of Phillips is a constant one. He has a capacity to analyse and criticise himself and he finds what he needs to improve and correct his game – and he does this by himself."

Phillips' return is offset by news Pablo Hernandez will miss out due to a minor muscle strain, while fellow midfielder Jamie Shackleton (thigh) and defender Diego Llorente (groin) remain sidelined.

Skipper Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas, Mateusz Klich, Tyler Roberts, Robin Koch and Ezgjan Alioski are all available following international duty.

Leeds confirmed earlier on Friday that defender Pascal Struijk had signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract.

The versatile 21-year-old has made five appearances for Leeds in all competitions this season, including four in the top flight.

Struijk, who arrived at Elland Road from Ajax in January 2018, made his first-team debut in the Sky Bet Championship last season in a 2-0 home win against Hull.

He made five league appearances in total as Leeds won the Championship title and started in their first Premier League game in 16 years against Liverpool at Anfield on the opening day of the current campaign.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal37275589286186
2Manchester CityMan City36267391335885
3Liverpool36239481384378
4Aston Villa36207973532067
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs361961171591263
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle361761379572257
7Chelsea361691173611257
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd36166145256-454
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham371410135971-1252
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton361212125458-448
11Bournemouth37139155365-1248
12Crystal Palace371210155258-646
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37137175063-1346
14Fulham37128175159-844
15Everton37139153949-1040
16Brentford37109185461-739
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3789204766-1929
18Luton TownLuton3768235081-3126
RBurnley3759234076-3624
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd37372735101-6616


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