JAVI GRACIA has some intriguing decisions to make as Leeds United look to bounce back from a nightmare defeat eight days ago when they tackle Liverpool at Elland Road tonight (8pm).

The Whites have been stewing for more than a week after their humiliating 5-1 Premier League home defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace – a result which has given coach Gracia much to think about.

Leeds v Liverpool has historically been one of the most prestigious fixtures in the English calendar but both clubs have been underwhelming this season, with the Yorkshire side involved in a lengthy scrap against relegation while the inconsistent Reds have at times looked a shadow of the side which amassed 92 points last season.

Although they have not won in their last four league games and have recorded only three victories on the road, Jurgen Klopp’s men will start big favourites to win, even though Luis Diaz may not quite be ready to return to action since sustaining a knee injury in October.

He’s expected to start on the bench as Liverpool still carry enormous firepower in the shape of Mohamed Salah, Dawin Nunez, Cody Gapko and Diego Jota. How Gracia sets up his team to deal with Liverpool’s attacking threat will be fascinating.

His predecessor Jesse Marsch went on the attack at Anfield in November and was rewarded with a last-gasp 2-1 win. Gracia may opt for attack being the best form of defence or send out a more defensive side as he did at Arsenal where Leeds played without a recognised striker.

It is not only the tactics that Gracia will adopt that are of interest but what player changes he may make in the wake of United’s second-half collapse against Crystal Palace.

Never a man to give too much away in his pre-match press conferences, he did reveal that the fitness of Austrian defender Max Wober, who has not played since the last international break because of a hamstring injury, will be assessed before the game.

To counter that possible good Leeds news, Gracia said that a number of other players had injury concerns but did not name them.

In Wober’s absence, Leeds have conceded ten goals in three games and should he make the starting line-up then Pascal Struijk would most likely make way.

Gracia also has to consider the position of Luke Ayling who has led the side in recent games as club captain Liam Cooper continues to build up his fitness.

Ayling’s recent displays have been way below his best so Danish international Rasmus Kristensen could regain his place at right-back. However, Ayling is seen as a leader in a squad which is thin on the ground in that department so his experience may see him keep his place.

Leeds will be seeking their first double over Liverpool since 2000-01 but for a side that has leaked 54 goals in 30 Premier League games it will be a tough ask to keep Liverpool’s forwards at bay.