Leeds United will begin their preparations for the 2021-22 campaign with a pre-season clash against National League North outfit Guiseley on Tuesday night.
The Whites will play four matches in the space of five days as they build towards the start of the new Premier League season, which sees them travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on August 14.
Match preview
Guiseley have played three pre-season fixtures this month, opening their preparations for the new season with a 3-0 victory over Yorkshire Amateur on July 15 before a 2-1 loss to Bradford City on July 20.
The Lions then suffered a 2-0 defeat to Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday in what was the team's final away pre-season clash ahead of the start of competitive action.
Guiseley have three more friendlies in the diary but all of them are at home, taking on Leeds, Halifax Town and Stockport County ahead of their National League North opener against Fylde on August 14.
The West Yorkshire club have brought in Jamie Spencer and Jordan Thewlis this summer to boost the squad, but joint-managers Marcus Bignot and Russ O'Neill will be looking to sign more players before the transfer window closes.
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Leeds, meanwhile, have not been in action since ending their 2020-21 Premier League campaign with a 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion on May 23.
The Whites enjoyed an excellent season on their return to the top level, finishing ninth, and Marcelo Bielsa's side will be looking to enjoy another successful campaign in England's top flight.
Leeds are entering an incredibly busy period, as they will take on Guiseley, Blackburn Rovers, Fleetwood Town and Real Betis before the end of the month, facing four matches in the space of five days.
The Whites will then face Ajax on July 4 in their final pre-season fixture before opening their Premier League campaign with a mouthwatering clash against Man United on August 14.
Bielsa's side have signed Junior Firpo from Barcelona this summer, and the 24-year-old is in line to make his debut in this match, while Jack Harrison should feature for the first time since completing a permanent move to Elland Road from Manchester City.
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Team News
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Guiseley are once again expected to include some trialists in their squad for this match, with the club looking at a number of potential new players ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.
Adam Haw is likely to feature in the final third of the field for the hosts, while experienced midfielder Hamza Bencherif is also in line to retain his spot in the first XI against the Premier League club.
Leeds, as mentioned, could hand a debut to new signing Firpo, who has not been away on international duty this summer, while a number of youngsters should also be involved.
Lewis Bate has arrived from Chelsea and should play a part, while Amari Miller and Sean McGurk are likely to be given opportunities to impress by head coach Bielsa.
Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper, Mateusz Klich and Tyler Roberts were all in action at Euro 2020 but should be involved over the next week, but Kalvin Phillips is still on holiday, having helped England reach the final of this summer's European Championship.
Patrick Bamford was ultimately not chosen to represent the Three Lions this summer, meaning that the striker should be raring to go following a period of rest.
Adam Forshaw appears to have finally overcome his injury problems, meanwhile, and the experienced midfielder is likely to be given some minutes against Guiseley.
Head To Head
Leeds have faced Guiseley on three previous occasions in friendlies, including in July 2019, with the Whites running out 2-1 winners over their non-league opponents.
Leeds also recorded 4-3 victories over Guiseley in July 2016 and July 2018 respectively, and the Premier League club will now be looking to put a fourth straight win on the board against the Lions.
We say: Guiseley 0-2 Leeds United
Guiseley are further ahead in their preparations for the new season and should provide competitive opposition for Leeds on Tuesday evening. That said, we are expecting the Premier League side's additional quality to shine through and ultimately secure a comfortable victory in their pre-season opener.
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