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After sealing a 2-1 win over Fulham last time out in the Premier League just before the international break, Leeds are back in action when they take on Sheffield United at Elland Road on Saturday.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side picked up a morale-boosting victory over the Cottagers after going on a run of three games without a win in the top flight, and they will surely fancy their chances of making it back-to-back wins when the league’s bottom club come to town.

The Blades made the decision to part with Chris Wilder, and it’s former Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom who now finds himself in the hotseat at Bramall Lane.

Despite the win over Fulham, Bielsa may look to make a couple of changes for the visit of the Blades, and could look to take advantage of the fact that a few of his key players appear to have recovered from injury just in time for Saturday.

With that in mind, below is a look at how Leeds line up when they take on Sheffield United.

In goal, Illan Meslier should keep his place in between the sticks amid growing rumours surrounding the likes of PSG being interested in making a big-money for him come the summer transfer window.

The back four could see one key change, with the £6.3m-rated Pascal Struijk likely to make way amid some late injury boosts. The Athletic’s Phil Hay confirmed ahead of the game that club captain Liam Cooper is fit after recovering from his knock, while summer signing Robin Koch is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up after making a brief cameo against Fulham last time out.

Bielsa may opt to go with Koch just to get him match-fit again, with a clash against the Premier League’s bottom side the perfect chance to ease him back.

It would certainly be a big gamble to partner both of his summer signings at the back, but it may well be a tantalising glimpse of the future at the Elland Road.

The other gamble could be in midfield, where Tyler Roberts could make way for the recently returning Rodrigo, with the Spain international having recently moved to dismiss speculation suggesting that he’s currently unhappy at Elland Road and wants to leave.

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That could be the only other change Bielsa makes, so the likes of Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford should keep their places as they look to put the Blades to the sword.

Predicted XI: Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Koch; Alioski; Phillips; Raphinha, Dallas, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing a move for this Premier League starlet…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 270 appearances during his career, admits he is concerned by what is coming out of the Newcastle United dressing, especially from senior players.

The Magpies find themselves right in the thick of a relegation battle sitting just one place and two points above Fulham in 18th, who they face on the final day of the season.

After the Brighton defeat, Ciaran Clark came out and said the team weren’t up for the game, just after Ryan Fraser described the dressing room mood as the lowest it’s been.

Newcastle’s hierarchy ignored outcry and expectations to sack Steve Bruce after their 3-0 loss against their relegation rivals just before the international break, with some players even thinking Bruce had been sacked.

Speaking on what some Newcastle players have been saying and how being too honest could be a cause for concern, Howey told FFC:

“The whole thing is a concern. Fans aren’t stupid, but at the same time you’ve got to think, is a player being too honest for his own good?

“However, for Clark to come out and say what he did it’s maybe a little bit naive, which is surprising for him because he’s an international player and would’ve done those sorts of interviews before.

“It doesn’t sound good what is coming out of the dressing room and it makes you think, is there anybody in that dressing room that’s standing up and digging people out?”

It does not make for good reading on Tyneside, however, Bruce remains confident he is the man to guide Newcastle to safety.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer has suggested that Owls midfielder Liam Shaw will need a loan move in the future.

Shaw, whose time at Hillsborough is coming to an end, has agreed to join Scottish giants Celtic in the summer on a free transfer.

With Celtic expected to compete for the league title next season and set to feature in Europe, moving to Glasgow is a huge opportunity for Shaw.

Palmer, though, believes it may have come too soon for the 20-year-old, feeling that he could struggle to get game time at Celtic Park.

Discussing Shaw’s transfer to Celtic, Palmer told FFC:

“Liam is going to struggle going to Celtic that age to play. He’ll probably end up going there and going out on loan, I’m assuming, I don’t know.”

Speaking on the midfielder’s move further, the former Wednesday player added:

“If I was Liam, I’d be wanting to get out on loan somewhere where it’s guaranteed that he’s going to play because you can do that. I’ve done it before where I’ve taken a player when I was manager at Stockport and the manager’s come to me and said, ‘right, listen, I’ll let the player come, but he’s got to play.’ Bit like David Beckham when he went to Preston, that’s how they develop. They’ve got to play.”

Whoever is in the Celtic Park dugout next season will be demanding a lot from Shaw and his future team-mates. The Bhoys have been extremely underwhelming this term, surrendering their title to rivals Rangers while crashing out of the Europa League in disappointing fashion.

David Moyes will surely be buzzing as West Ham United are only expected to be without Declan Rice for four to five weeks through injury.

That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who has claimed that Rice will be fit for this summer’s European Championship and that he is pushing to return as soon as possible.

Rice sustained lateral knee ligament damage during England’s World Cup qualifier with Poland last month, and was expected to miss at least six weeks.

A worst-case scenario could have seen Rice be ruled out for the rest of the season or require surgery, throwing his hopes of representing the Three Lions at Euro 2020 into serious doubt.

Ornstein has now delivered West Ham and England a huge boost by suggesting the initial fears were overplayed, and claiming that Rice will be available for Gareth Southgate this summer.

“Rice, we’re assured, will be fit in time,” he said on The Ornstein and Chapman Podcast.

“I know that he saw the six-week timeframe on being a little bit on the cautious side and was aiming to be back in four or five weeks max from this very small tear to the lateral collateral knee ligament in his right leg.”

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Moyes will be buzzing to hear that Rice only sustained a very small tear to his knee ligaments and that he is expected to be available much sooner than first feared, though it naturally remains to be seen if he will feature again this season.

But a minimum four-week lay-off would see Rice return to training as West Ham enter the final month of the Premier League season, meaning he could yet still have a part to play in the London Stadium native’s final fixtures and push for Champions League qualification.

Rice was a key factor in West Ham establishing themselves in the conversation for a top-four finish before his injury, having proven to be – as Southgate describes – an “outstanding” player at recovering possession in the midfield area.

The England international had been able to protect the Hammers backline magnificently all season, and sparked the occasional attack with driven runs through the centre of the pitch.

Only Southampton centre-back Jan Bednarek (73) and Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill (61) – who has been linked with the Irons – have registered a greater number of interceptions in the Premier League this term than Rice (58), per WhoScored.

Moyes was disappointed to have to lose that presence in his engine room when Rice’s injury was announced, and will be itching to unleash the 22-year-old again as soon as possible.

AND in other news, West Ham are weighing up a £21.5m swoop for a “great” 10-goal striker…

Harry Kane’s future at Tottenham Hotspur is looking in doubt as Jose Mourinho’s side continue to struggle this season, so Manchester City should go all out to sign him this summer.

According to journalist Lu Martin, City’s main ‘goal’ this summer is not Erling Haaland as other reports would have you believe, it is actually Kane.

Pep Guardiola recently suggested that it is ‘impossible’ for City to sign a striker this summer due to a lack of funds but recent defeats against Leeds United and Chelsea have perhaps highlighted that they need a goal scorer such as Kane if they want to reach the next level under the legendary Spanish manager.

Sergio Aguero is already confirmed to be leaving the Etihad this summer and whilst Gabriel Jesus has impressed on occasion, the Brazilian simply doesn’t possess the goalscoring instincts to mark him out as a natural replacement for the Argentinian.

Guardiola has also confirmed that 18-year-old Liam Delap will be training with the first-team next season after some extraordinary performances with the academy sides, but it would surely be unreasonable to expect him to replace the goals offered by Aguero in this Manchester City side.

Therefore, City arguably need to bring in a world-class striker this summer and after Borussia Dortmund’s astounding asking price for Haaland was revealed recently, as well as Mino Raiola’s frankly ridiculous contract demands, City should turn their attention to Kane.

The England captain has enjoyed an incredible season with Spurs so far this campaign but other than a spot in the Carabao Cup final, has very little to show for his efforts, as the North London club are currently seventh in the league and crashed out of the Europa League at the hands of Dinamo Zagreb.

In the Premier League this season, the 27-year-old has contributed an incredible 21 goals and 13 assists in just 30 appearances, which has helped him average a 7.81 rating – comfortably the best of any player in the division.

In all competitions this season he has 26 goals, whereas City’s top goalscorer this season is midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, with the 30-year-old having scored 16 goals in all competitions for Guardiola’s side.

Earlier in the season, Kane’s teammate Heung-Min Son was full of praise for the Spurs talisman, saying:

“He is just incredible, when you’re watching him in training or the game he can bring some magic in one second. He is one of the best in the world, definitely.”

Considering the number of chances City create, it seems clear that Kane would be able to replicate the sort of numbers he is producing at Spurs at the Etihad, so if he does want to leave the North London club this summer, then it could be a no-brainer for the Citizens.

Therefore, they should forget about signing Haaland and instead bring in a world-class, Premier League-proven striker such as Kane.

And, in other news… Fewer touches than Steffen: Anonymous Man City dud let Pep down with another woeful display

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 150 appearances for Newcastle United, has called on Allan Saint-Maximin to become more consistent for the Magpies.

Saint-Maximin was named on the bench against Burnley but made a lasting impact after coming on and registering an assist, before running from his own half and scoring the winner, and he followed it up with another assist in the win against West Ham that moved the Toon nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Lee Hendrie spoke to The Transfer Tavern about Saint-Maximin and claimed that he would be a great signing for Aston Villa, who currently sit nine points ahead of Newcastle and hold an outside chance of qualifying for Europe.

When asked about that and speaking on how Saint-Maximin often fails to deliver on the pitch, Howey told FFC:

“I spoke to Lee the other day and he never mentioned that to me. I think he is one of those players that excites fans but at the same time, he is very frustrating.

“For me, to pay a vast amount of money for him is still a bit of a punt because sometimes you’re like wow, but other times he kind of whizzes around and doesn’t really do a great deal.”

The £38,000-per-week winger made two substitute appearances for Newcastle before starting against David Moyes’ men since returning from a groin injury that he picked up before the international break.

Steve Bruce’s side are unbeaten and have scored seven goals since reverting away from the split striker system and operating with a more conventional back three.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has said that only Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Stephen Welsh stand out as players exempt from a looming squad overhaul at Parkhead.

Interim boss John Kennedy will oversee the concluding four games of the season before the club make a final decision on Neil Lennon’s long-term managerial successor.

Kennedy has been unable to salvage the Hoops’ campaign. On Sunday, they were beaten 2-0 by arch-rivals Rangers in the Scottish Cup fourth round, a result which confirms their first trophyless season since 2010.

They are also 20 points adrift of Steven Gerrard’s men in the league table, a damning state of affairs.

‘Practically a blank sheet of paper’ for incoming Celtic boss

Writing in his Record Sport column, Sutton predicted that Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer would follow loanees Mohamed Elyounoussi, Jonjoe Kenny and Diego Laxalt out the door.

In his eyes, only McGregor – set to take over as captain as Scott Brown heads to Aberdeen – midfielder Turnbull and centre-back Welsh are guaranteed to be part of the long-term picture.

“It’s practically a blank sheet of paper,” Sutton wrote.

“What’s on it? Callum McGregor, David Turnbull are on there, you maybe give youngster Stephen Welsh the benefit of the doubt even if he wasn’t at his best against Rangers.”

Sutton added: “It’s a heck of a shopping list at Celtic Park if they are to even think about having a chance of wrestling the title off Rangers next season.”

At the start of the month, it was reported that Celtic were on the verge of appointing former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.

However, no announcement has followed, and Football Insider have claimed that the 43-year-old has entertained a rival approach from Crystal Palace.

Transfer Tavern verdict

If you were a Rangers fan assessing Celtic’s predicament, you would be licking your lips. With a summer of upheaval ahead, it seems unlikely that they will be unable to strike back quickly, even under new management.

Their crosstown rivals have looked a level above this season, progressing to the Europa League round of 16 and going 34 league matches unbeaten.

In terms of the players who will still be at Parkhead next term, Sutton is justified in advocating the cases of Turnbull, McGregor and Welsh based on their generally solid performances throughout the current campaign.

In other news, this reported Celtic managerial candidate fears he has been overlooked.

Rangers are on the hunt for move silverware and the next step on their journey to more success is a big clash at Ibrox later this evening.

Rangers will be looking to reach the Scottish Cup semi-finals as they take on St Johnstone, with Steven Gerrard undoubtedly targeting a league and cup double this season.

Remarkably, you have to go back to 2009 for the last time the Light Blues lifted the Scottish Cup but having knocked out their Old Firm rivals Celtic in the previous round, you would definitely say that Gerrard’s side are now firm favourites to win the trophy this season.

However, Wednesday’s league fixture against Callum Davidson’s side emphasised that it won’t be an easy game for Rangers on Sunday, as the Saints earned themselves a point thanks to Liam Craig’s stoppage-time penalty.

Gerrard rested several first-team players for the trip to McDiarmid Park in midweek so it seems likely that he will go full strength for the quarter-final this evening.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the 40-year-old to line his side up at Ibrox, with five changes from the team that started in midweek…

Allan McGregor returns in between the sticks after Jon McLaughlin made a rare league start at McDiarmid Park.

There is just one change in defence, as Filip Helander returns to the side in place of Jack Simpson, who struggled on his full debut in midweek and gave away the penalty late on.

In midfield, Gerrard switches back to three central players after going with a 4-4-2 in midweek, which sees Joe Aribo come back into the starting side.

That results in plenty of changes up front, as Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten and Scott Wright all dropping out, with Ianis Hagi pushed up to a right-wing position, whilst Alfredo Morelos returns up front.

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Although Wright scored in midweek and is perhaps unfortunate to miss out, Ryan Kent has been “sensational” this season and is very likely to return after being rested last time out.

And, in other news… Gerrard must axe Rangers’ “born leader” vs Saints, he was a liability in midweek

Mark Douglas has dropped a worrying transfer update on the future of Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United.

When asked by a fan of the St. James’ Park faithful in a Q&A session for The Chronicle about whether any clubs are looking to sign the 24-year-old, the football journalist claimed: ‘He certainly has interest from clubs.’

Newcastle must keep Saint-Maximin

Steve Bruce’s team must be looking to try and keep Saint-Maximin in the North East at all costs.

The Frenchman is one of if not their most key player, exemplified by his recent impact since coming back into the side, as the Tyneside club have won two and drawn two of their last four games in the Premier League, with him scoring two goals and assisting another (Transfermarkt) since returning from injury.

To put that into context, in the three matches in the top flight prior to that in which he was missing with a groin injury, the Magpies lost one and drew two, only managing to score just one goal in total (Transfermarkt).

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If the proposed takeover of the Toon by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group were to come into fruition in the summer, then Saint-Maximin is an asset that they simply cannot afford to lose, and instead NUFC should be looking to try and build a team around him in order to push on for next season.

In other news, find out what big takeover consortium claim Douglas has dropped involving Rafa Benitez here!

Newcastle could acquire a dream upgrade on Fabian Schar by signing Vitesse starlet Danilho Doekhi.

What’s the story?

The Magpies have endured another difficult season in the Premier League defensively, conceding 56 goals in their 34 games thus far – only Southampton, and the bottom two sides West Brom and Sheffield United have let in more.

Now, Dutch publication De Telegraaf claim that Steve Bruce’s side are keen on reinforcing the centre of defence this summer, and are eyeing up a potential move for 22-year-old Doekhi.

The report adds that the centre-back has just one year left on his contract with Vitesse, and that the Eredivisie side will be under pressure to sell him unless he signs an extension at the club.

Upgrade on Fabian Schar

After getting himself sent off after coming on as a substitute against Arsenal, Fabian Schar pretty much underlined the problems the Magpies have faced at the back this season – some poor, reckless individual mistakes, and collectively disorganised too (the fact only three sides have conceded more than them in the Premier League is evidence of that).

But in Doekhi, Bruce could find someone who is as solid as a rock, and has got the defensive discipline that they desperately need at the back.

Vitesse manager Thomas Letsch dubbed him “one of the best defenders” in the league, and waxed lyrical about the kind of progress he has made at the club, saying: “Danilho is a class player, a great player, for us. He already played fantastic last year and this season he has performed every game at the highest level. Danilho makes almost no mistakes and is an absolute team player, a very calm player. Although he can be emotional, but he has developed in that area as well.”

And, when you compare Doekhi’s stats to Schar’s this season, then you can see why the Magpies are very interested in signing him this summer.

As per Whoscored, the 6 foot 3 Dutchman averages far more tackles and interceptions per game than Schar, and commits less fouls and gets dribbled past far few times than the Newcastle man too.

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That’s not to mention the 22-year-old is also superior when it comes to his work on the ball, which has always been lauded as one of Schar’s biggest strengths. Doekhi averages more passes and at a better accuracy compared to the Swiss ace, and appears to be the kind of ball-playing centre-back who should fit in well in the modern game.

Doekhi is just stronger across the board compared to Schar, and given that he “makes almost no mistakes” too, appears like the sort of central defender Newcastle need.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing a summer move for this Championship star…