After a Friday night down the pub watching the disaster unfold at [Elland Road](https://www.claretandhugh.info/leeds-united-v-west-ham-united-predictions-starting-xi-goals-scoreline/) I couldn’t help but reflect on the last two matches. With players out of position, stronger options left on the bench, and a team visibly lacking confidence, pace, and set-piece resilience, it’s time to offer a fresh take.
I don’t pretend to be a tactical mastermind and am certainly not qualified as a Premier League Manager yet as fans we constantly debate the chosen eleven so here’s my proposed starting XI to lift us from the slump and bring some fire back to the pitch. I appreciate some of these players have simply lost their form, yet as per Nuno, it’s all he has to work with!
**Tactical Setup: 4-3-3 (Shifting to 4-1-4-1 out of possession)**
**GK Lukasz Fabiański**
Areola and Hermansen have conceded a total of 20 goals between them in the league over nine games. Fabiański’s leadership and calm presence could be just what the backline needs. His experience in organising the defence could prove invaluable especially when confidence is low.
* **RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka**
Last season’s Hammer of the Year. A defensive rock in 1v1s, he’ll stay disciplined on the right, allowing the left flank to push forward.
* **CB: Igor Julio**
It’s time to give the loanee his shot. I’m told he is composed on the ball, physical and tactically sharp, I’m hoping he brings a sense of calm to the back.
* **CB: Max Kilman**
Prior to joining West Ham, the ex Wolves defender scored highly for aerial dominance and was positionally sound. If he can regain form, his ability to tuck in and cover space should make him a reliable partner for Igor. West Ham paid £40m for him – and both Lopetegui and Nuno rate him.
* **LB: El Hadji Malick Diouf**
Athletic and quick, Diouf is ideal for covering ground on the left and recovering behind a high line. In terms of attacking his numbers are elite and place him among the top full backs in Europe. His tackling and positioning sadly let him down, yet at only 20 years old his offensive output is critical.
* **CDM: Soungoutou Magassa**
The engine room. Magassa will break up play, shield the defence, and give the team the energy it’s been missing.
* **CM: Lucas Paquetá**
On his day a creative heartbeat. Paqueta will have the freedom to roam and link midfield to attack – just show us that flair and vision!
* **CM: Mateus Fernandes**
A box-to-box dynamo. Supports both ends of the pitch, presses high, and drives transitions. Last season the Portuguese U-21 international featured in the top 11% for successful take ons and top 13% for carries into the final third. For combined defensive actions his 2.75 tackles per 90 ranked in the top 26% amongst midfielders.
* **RW: Jarrod Bowen (Captain)**
Relentless and clinical, his strengths are the ability to cut inside to combine with the striker (if we have one on the pitch!) or go for goal himself. A natural leader and arguably our best player.
* **ST: Callum Wilson**
Not the first-choice striker, but with Fullkrug sidelined, Wilson’s experience make him the best available option.
* **LW: Crysencio Summerville**
A livewire on the left. His pace and unpredictability are vital for stretching defences and unlocking low blocks. In 2022/23 for Leeds his fastest speed was 34.8km/h – this is a key ingredient.
On the bench I would utilise Luis Guilherme (who boasts a top speed of 36.4km/h) should Wilson not last the full ninety minutes and play him on the right and push Bowen into a central striker role. Freddie Potts could also be a replacement for Magassa, or allow the French midfielder the option to move to central defence. I would also be brave and include Preston Fearon or Mohamadou Kante amongst my substitutes. I am relaxed on who the other benchwarmers are – yet Ward Prowse and Rodriguez need not apply, that’s a combined £170k salary sitting it out!
_Let’s hope Nuno’s reading this!_