Phillips: Bielsa tipped to axe Leeds star v Burnley after development
Kevin Phillips is predicting Diego Llorente will return to the Leeds starting line-up for Saturday’s trip to Burnley.
The Sunderland legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insists something needs to change in the Whites’ leaky defence.
Leeds have conceded seven goals in their two Premier League games this season.
Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk have started both of those games and have looked far from their best.
Llorente, 28, missed the start of the season through injury but made his return against Crewe in the Carabao Cup through the week.
The Spaniard also missed large swathes of last season with various knocks and as such, has only made 15 league appearances for the club.
Phillips insists Llorente could be a positive addition to the Leeds defence ahead of the trip to Turf Moor.
“They need Llorente’s experience,” Phillips told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs.
“I think he’ll come very close to starting that game. Leeds have conceded seven goals in two games, something needs to change.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he comes straight back in. The big thing for Leeds is he’s had loads of little knocks, he needs to stay fit.
“We know he’s a quality player and it’s positive that he played during the week.
“Like I said, something needs to happen in that backline.“
Leeds have taken one point from their opening two Premier League games.
A mauling at Old Trafford was followed by a respectable draw against Everton last weekend.
In other news, Leeds tipped to seal last-gasp O’Brien deal after source update today – pundit.