It was the manner of the defeat that was most alarming on Saturday afternoon at Fulham as Leeds United simply rolled over in west London. Javi Gracia resisted the urge to make wholesale changes for that one, but I think he simply has to try something else this time around if Leeds are to battle back and claim the points they need against Leicester City on Tuesday night.
The first and most notable change I would make is the return of Wilfried Gnonto. The Spaniard has consistently overlooked Gnonto during his time at the Elland Road helm, but he simply has to come in now.
He’s Leeds’ most dangerous player, capable of producing something at the drop of a hat and United need the spark he can provide against the Foxes. For me he starts on the left, while I’d be looking for any excuse to bring Luis Sinisterra back into the side on the right for similar reasons.
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The Colombian was Leeds’ best against Liverpool and he created something of a threat down the left at Craven Cottage on Saturday after stepping off the bench. There’s no doubt about it, the midfield needs overhauling and I’d probably look to shore things up by a slight formation change to 4-3-3.
Weston McKennie was someway off the standard expected of him in west London as he let the game pass him by in the middle of the field and there simply has to be a better option. Adam Forshaw looked a stronger option in his 10 minutes on the field and although his future seems uncertain beyond this summer, I think he has to start.
Alongside him I’d have Marc Roca, despite his poor display last time out, and Sam Greenwood, who despite hardly featuring under Gracia, is more than capable of taking on the role. Brenden Aaronson has been a figure of frustration of late and I don’t think it would be a bad thing to take him out of the firing line and give Greenwood the opportunity to step in and stake a claim at this stage.
I can’t say I agree with the notion of taking Illan Meslier out of the side, though. The Frenchman has been under fire of late and his role in both Fulham goals hasn’t exactly bolstered his case.
However, the long term damage of taking him out of the side far outweighs the benefits of making a change at this stage, in my view. Luke Ayling gets the nod at right-back purely based on the experience and the leadership he provides.
Will’s XI: Illan Meslier; Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Max Wober; Adam Forshaw, Marc Roca, Sam Greenwood; Luis Sinisterra, Rodrigo, Wilfried Gnonto.
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