Beren Cross
It’s hard to look at last weekend’s showing against Manchester United and feel compelled to change a huge amount, especially when those carrying injuries remain doubtful. Liam Cooper and Marc Roca, both rated as touch and go by Michael Skubala, look like unnecessary risks.
The captain and the Spaniard have the ability to force their way into this team and even change Skubala’s possible formation, but there is too much wind in the sails of Sunday’s starters. A lot has already been written about the quality showings of Illan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Robin Koch and Max Wober, but even Junior Firpo, the supposed weak link, was arguably as good as he has ever been for Leeds last weekend.
Pascal Struijk may be available after last week’s concussion protocol, but his form has been waning and Firpo’s done enough to earn his raid down Goodison Park’s flanks. Tyler Adams was not spotted in the club’s weekly training video, but assuming he’s fit, he and Weston McKennie showed huge potential in the engine room last weekend.
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Georginio Rutter is still yet to catch the eye for sustained spells when he’s come on in the last few games, which leaves Jack Harrison free to carry on behind Patrick Bamford. The front four were impressive in and out of possession at the weekend.
Beren’s XI: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Wober, Firpo; McKennie, Adams; Summerville, Harrison, Gnonto; Bamford.
Will Jackson
I honestly don’t believe there will be too much to think about for Michael Skubala when he commits his Leeds United team to paper. In fact, I’d be naming an unchanged XI if I were in his shoes, such was the level of performance last time out against Manchester United.
I’m well aware Leeds didn’t get the result last Sunday against the Red Devils, but I don’t necessarily see the need for change, even with the possibility of players returning. Skubala confirmed on Thursday that Pascal Struijk has returned to training following the concussion he suffered at Old Trafford last week and the biggest call he faces this week could be at left-back.
However, for me, Junior Firpo had his best game in some time last weekend and I don’t think I would be moving him out of the side. Firpo has struggled to impress in the Premier League and he still has his doubters, but he deserves rewarding for his performance last time out with a starting spot at Goodison Park.
Liam Cooper is on the comeback trail, but I’m not in a hurry to break up the centre-back partnership Robin Koch and Max Wober have built up in recent weeks, nor am I particularly keen to mess with the dynamic in midfield. Therefore, if Marc Roca is fit for this week’s game, he’d have to settle for a spot on the bench.
Georginio Rutter needs minutes, his last performance was enough to make that abundantly clear as he struggled to really make an impact when he replaced Patrick Bamford on Sunday. I don’t think it’s right to bring him into the starting XI for a game of this magnitude, though, and instead, I’d be looking for him to make an impact off the bench in the second half.
He’ll come good in time, but for now, Bamford is the obvious choice in the number nine role, with Jack Harrison, Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto offering support. Brenden Aaronson could have an important role to play in this one off the bench, with his pace and energy allowing him to cause tiring defenders real problems.
Will’s XI: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Wober, Firpo; Adams, McKennie; Summerville, Harrison, Gnonto; Bamford.
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