One look at the Leeds United line-up on the night Aston Villa last visited Elland Road sums up the breadth of change under Jesse Marsch since possibly his most difficult night in the job. Depending on a couple of tight calls the head coach has to make on Sunday, there could feasibly be seven differences in the starting line-up this weekend.
Everything around the Whites feels in stark contrast to the feelings around the club on the night Steven Gerrard’s side stuck three past Illan Meslier. It was only Marsch’s second match in the job, and a home debut, but the manner of the defeat rang relegation alarm bells.
The number of players playing in the right positions and the tone of conversation around individual form leaves confidence far higher going into this reunion. The tactical work already shown in the opening six matches of this season is infinitely better than the awkward, disjointed play of Marsch’s 12-match opening spell.
READ MORE: New date set for first ever official San Francisco 49ers watch party in Leeds
Of the 11 who played in the last Villa clash, Meslier, Robin Koch and Jack Harrison look guaranteed to be included, barring new injuries for any of them in Marsch’s press conference. Pascal Struijk is the fourth player who seems highly likely to retain his place unless Marsch opts for Junior Firpo at left-back.
Even among that quartet, you can see the difference from six months ago. Koch was playing as a central midfielder alongside Adam Forshaw in the last game. As a centre-back on Sunday, the gulf in his impact could not be greater.
Luke Ayling played in the middle of defence on the night they lost 3-0 and floundered. The fact he’s now in a battle to even start in his best position underlines the improved options for Marsch.
Captain Liam Cooper was also missing that night. Hopes are high the skipper will be included on Sunday to steady the ship from the rear for the first time this term.
From Koch and Forshaw as the double pivot, Leeds switch to Tyler Adams and Marc Roca, two of the breakout stars of the season so far. As the central attacking midfielder, Rodrigo had arguably his worst game for Leeds as he was hooked at half-time.
The Spain international may not even be sharp enough to start this weekend, but he either does with his confidence sky high after four goals in five games or Brenden Aaronson, possibly the best summer signing, does and lifts the team several clicks from where they were in March.
There is a yawning chasm of difference in the frontline too. One of the many chapters in Daniel James’s challenging book of striker starts came in March’s 3-0 drubbing. There are multiple ways Marsch can improve that slot this weekend.
Aaronson is guaranteed to start in one role, so the aforementioned Rodrigo return could be at the tip of the attack. Patrick Bamford seems most likely, but Joe Gelhardt would also lead the line far better than James was able to.
READ NEXT:
Adam Forshaw among the collateral damage in Leeds United storyline few had expected
Pivotal period could force Leeds United change of tack in January window
Jack Harrison's Leeds United contract fate's been made plain by Andrea Radrizzani and Jesse Marsch
Tyler Adams on what Leeds United expect from 'big six' matches this season after Chelsea win
Leeds United's first-choice left-back, injuries and what Aston Villa can expect
