We all fancy a trip to Wembley, don’t we? With the FA Cup quarter-finals within sniffing distance, all appetite for rotation or resting legs has gone out of the window for me.
Leeds United do not have a huge amount of options to even change the defence if I wanted to. With Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper remaining out of contention, the centre-backs and Junior Firpo look pretty set as they are.
Luke Ayling could feasibly be shuffled inside, otherwise you’re looking at a senior debut for Diogo Monteiro. Max Wober could be moved outside if Firpo needed a sit-down, but, realistically, Rasmus Kristensen is the only card I have to play.
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Ayling is a clear first choice at right-back now, but five starts across the 20 days between Nottingham Forest and Southampton do steer me towards the Dane. Kristensen is more than good enough to make an impact at Fulham and it could be wise for Ayling to get a breather before Chelsea.
I’d pull Weston McKennie out of the side too. The American started four matches across 17 days including last Saturday and his struggle to make an impact showed against the Saints.
Marc Roca’s absence has probably made hearts grow fonder of his role in the side. A late cameo on Saturday would pave the way for a start in the capital, for me. Reuniting him with Tyler Adams appeals.
There was a temptation to retain McKennie and go to a 4-3-3, but I fancy matching up with Marco Silva’s 4-2-3-1, while starting Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter. Jack Harrison and Brenden Aaronson, who continue to flit about without an end product, would drop down to the bench.
Summerville, who it transpires was affected by a personal issue last week, did cause some havoc late on Saturday as the game broke up. Rutter was also lively as a partner in crime for the Dutch winger.
Starting those two, with Patrick Bamford retained as the all-important focal point, feels exciting. Wilfried Gnonto, the best match-winner in the squad, continues after that 60-minute hooking at the weekend.
Beren’s XI: Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Wober, Firpo; Adams, Roca; Summerville, Rutter, Gnonto; Bamford.
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