Beren Cross
Balancing the need to give everyone minutes to stay sharp with the need to practise a tactical plan for Manchester City is the big dilemma for Leeds United tonight. There is the strongest line-up you could put out, but you’re then leaving squad players with no chance of busting some rust before they may be called upon from the bench against the champions.
Joel Robles is probably my pick to face Erling Haaland next week, but I would like to see Kristoffer Klaesson start tonight. The Norwegian was given a half last week and a little more exposure tonight would do him good.
Rasmus Kristensen has to start again after his limited output since the World Cup, while I would give Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk no more than turns from the bench after playing every minute of the last two friendlies. Robin Koch was a sight for sore eyes in last night’s open training and he needs to reunite with Liam Cooper in defence, for me.
READ MORE: Tyler Adams taking extended Leeds United rest as he shakes off World Cup injury
Diego Llorente would see some minutes from the bench while Junior Firpo, not in my line-up to face City, badly needs some match time tonight after being seen on Tuesday in training. Adam Forshaw needs more match practice to drastically improve on what we have seen against Elche and Real Sociedad.
Whether he’s struggled in the last two or not, it’s a big ask to start either Sam Greenwood or Darko Gyabi in his place against the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. Marc Roca does not necessarily need the pitch time, but he does need the space to gel with Forshaw.
Brenden Aaronson is in the same boat as Kristensen, while Jack Harrison needs that start he missed out on at the 11th hour on Friday night. Mateusz Klich remains a temptation, but I would want to see Leeds continue riding this Wilfried Gnonto storm that is threatening to explode on the flank.
Rodrigo has to start. His minutes have been managed up to now and history suggests his sharpness falls off a cliff with the slightest of disruptions between starts.
Beren’s XI: Klaesson; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; Forshaw, Roca; Gnonto, Aaronson, Harrison; Rodrigo.
Will Jackson
With the return of the Premier League season just around the corner, you have to go with something close to your strongest available XI for this one. The team may look different against Manchester City with players hopefully returning from injury, but Wednesday’s game provides some with one last chance to stake a claim for a starting spot.
Joel Robles looks like the best option between the sticks in the absence of Illan Meslier and I’d have him playing behind a strong backline. Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk could do with all the minutes they can get their hands on, while Rasmus Kristensen should be involved once more as the club’s leading right-back.
Diego Llorente is the only question mark, but Rene Maric sounded optimistic about his fitness in his post-match press conference on Friday night and if he’s fit, I’d like to see him play before the campaign resumes. For me, Sam Greenwood is leading the race to start in the absence of Tyler Adams next week and I’d give him the chance to play alongside Marc Roca in the centre of midfield.
Adam Forshaw looked rusty last time out against Real Sociedad, but I’d still be looking to introduce him into the action in the second half. Jack Harrison pulled out of Friday night’s contest just before kick-off with a little tightness, but if he’s fit, I want to see him play on the wing and turn in a promising performance before the campaign starts.
Rodrigo is, without a doubt, the club’s leading strike option at this stage and, ordinarily, I’d give him another start in this one. However, I’m keen to see Joe Gelhardt given a shot.
The youngster looks out of sorts at present and he cut a frustrated figure on Friday night when he stepped off the bench. As such, I’d attempt to use the friendly with Monaco as an opportunity for Gelhardt to build up some confidence and form going into the restart.
Will’s XI: Robles; Kristensen, Llorente, Cooper, Struijk; Greenwood, Roca; Gnonto, Aaronson, Harrison; Gelhardt.
READ NEXT:
Leeds United U18s 3-2 Accrington Stanley as Whites leave it late to seal FA Youth Cup progress
Minamino, World Cup stars, goals galore - AS Monaco lowdown ahead of Leeds United friendly
Predicted Leeds United line-up vs Monaco with Adams, Aaronson and Harrison in need of minutes
Leeds United have issues to 'iron out' as Monaco friendly target explained
Leeds United's risk v reward conundrum as coach's comments underline issue
