A spring in the international-break step?
A win is always welcome at any point in a season and has the ability to be transformative for any club’s run of form. However, beating Wolverhampton Wanderers today feels especially significant for Leeds United.
It would be the first maximum on the road for Javi Gracia, most likely taking Leeds out of the relegation zone and into a two-week break with momentum and hope. The psychological boost of being outside the drop zone for a full fortnight will do wonders for the Whites.
An anniversary repeat?
Exactly one year ago today, Leeds were coming away from Molineux with everyone shellshocked by what they had just seen. The Whites overcame two first-half injuries, two second-half injuries and a two-goal deficit after an hour to win the game.
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Raul Jimenez’s red card proved to be the turning point on a night Leeds had shown next to no quality before the break. It was the kind of chaos which defined Jesse Marsch's tenure. Another repeat of the drama seems unlikely, but a win would be most welcome.
How is Adams replaced?
The smart money is on Weston McKennie being drafted in from the bench for his stricken friend. Gracia’s chosen formation will then dictate who else comes in to shape midfield.
Sam Greenwood would be the next cab off the rank from last weekend’s bench, but Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray could be outside bets for the squad at least.
Captain recalled?
Liam Cooper was included in Scotland’s squad for the upcoming international break before Gracia admitted in Thursday’s press conference his captain would be available for selection again. Does Cooper come straight back into the XI though?
Robin Koch and Max Wober have put together a decent partnership in recent weeks, while Gracia talked up Cooper’s off-the-field impact in Thursday’s briefing.
Rodrigo and Gnonto unleashed?
Gracia has an embarrassment of riches to pick from in the final third. Luis Sinisterra and Rodrigo are another week fitter, while Wilfried Gnonto has had more than long enough outside the starting line-up spotlight.
That’s before you even come to the club’s record signing, Georginio Rutter. Patrick Bamford has probably done enough to retain the number nine berth, but Jack Harrison and Brenden Aaronson keep blowing hot and cold.
Will Gracia finally get to see Bamford and Rodrigo together from the start?
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