Rotation for competitions like the EFL Cup is even more important for Leeds United when they finally assemble a squad which is big enough and fit enough to leave quality on the bench. There is a host of senior options in need of minutes this week as Sunday’s heroes get their feet up and retain their focus for Saturday at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Much depends on your risk appetite and how much stock you put in the need for continuity from match to match, regardless of the competition. There’s also the consideration for a cup run and respecting League One opposition.
Of those who started on Sunday, Daniel James and Marc Roca have played the fewest minutes this season and would be your candidates for retaining their places tomorrow. However, one look at the back-up options Jesse Marsch has only encourages 11 changes for the Tykes’ arrival.
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Liam Cooper may be the toughest call to make. On Friday, Marsch told us his captain was looking good in training and if he weren’t to make the Chelsea game he would not be too much longer.
A half or an hour against Barnsley, at Elland Road, seems like the perfect way to get his season going. His central partner is another tight call.
Leo Hjelde would start for me, but the dearth of options at left-back means he is surely required out there. Jeremiah Mullen would be my pick. The under-21 defender is stepping into the absent Charlie Cresswell’s boots and standing out as the next centre-back off the conveyor belt.
That also means Robin Koch and Diego Llorente can keep their eyes on Brighton. Kristoffer Klaesson and Cody Drameh look like no-brainers for goalkeeper and right-back respectively.
The rest of the team seems to pick itself from those who have been on the fringes or injured this month. Sonny Perkins, Darko Gyabi or Archie Gray might have fancied a run-out, but they're down the pecking order behind others who need the pitch time.
Beren’s XI: Klaesson; Drameh, Mullen, Cooper, Hjelde; Forshaw, Greenwood; Summerville, Klich, Sinisterra; Gelhardt.
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