Preview: Leeds United vs. West Bromwich Albion - prediction, team news, lineups

Leeds United welcome West Bromwich Albion to Elland Road knowing that victory on Sunday afternoon could secure eighth position in the Premier League table.

Despite having already announced his departure at the end of the season, Sam Allardyce will want to move the Baggies up to 18th spot before his exit from The Hawthorns.

Match preview

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Earlier in the year, there was talk of this Leeds side faltering during the closing months of the season due to Marcelo Bielsa persisting with his relentless playing style.

However, victories over Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley and Southampton for the loss of just one goal have only strengthened the argument that the Argentine should come under consideration for manager of the season.

Despite injuries to key defenders, the Yorkshire giants have already guaranteed 10th position and still have the opportunity to finish above Everton and Arsenal in eighth.

While Bielsa has already rested a couple of players ahead of the Euro 2020, he will want to end an excellent campaign on a high and with more prize money for the club.

Rodrigo Moreno has been left frustrated with his lack of starts this season, but the Spaniard has contributed three goals and an assist in his last 121 minutes of football.

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Staying on the subject of frustration and Allardyce struggled to hide his disappointment in midweek as he reflected on failing to keep the Baggies in the Premier League.

The veteran boss has taken the decision to step down from his role as manager, a move which has divided opinion among the club's fanbase given their improvements in recent months.

Nevertheless, successive wins over Chelsea and Southampton have been followed by six matches without success, strengthening the argument that West Brom will benefit from progressing in a different direction.

Allardyce has witnessed his side score 14 times during that period, but it has been six encounters since they last recorded a clean sheet.

The West Midlands outfit will only move into 18th position if they can defeat Leeds and Newcastle United are able to overcome Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Team News

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As he prepares to depart Leeds at the end of the season, Gaetano Berardi will likely be provided with a farewell appearance in the starting lineup.

Diego Llorente and Kalvin Phillips could drop down to the substitutes' bench ahead of potentially representing their nations in the European Championship.

Pablo Hernandez, who is also leaving the club in the summer, and Ian Poveda-Ocampo may have to make do with a spot among the replacements.

Allardyce will look to find a balance between picking a side which can win the game and players who are likely to become important members of the squad next season.

Grady Diangana and Karlan Grant both come into contention for a start, while Dara O'Shea may return in defence.

Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Casilla; Ayling, Berardi, Cooper, Dallas; Struijk; Raphinha, Roberts, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:
Johnstone; Furlong, Ajayi, Bartley, Townsend; Phillips, Maitland-Niles, Yokuslu, Diangana; Pereira; Grant

We say: Leeds United 2-0 West Bromwich Albion

With a draw not benefitting the Baggies, we expect the visitors to come out firing on all cylinders. Nevertheless, they could be outclassed by their hosts, who we fancy to record a relatively comfortable win at the weekend.

Video prediction

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