Beren Cross
Building on the positives from last weekend has to be tempered by a need for more attacking prowess in this home game for Leeds United against Newcastle United. While a 4-3-3 seemed to keep the Whites solid on the edge of the Manchester City box, I would like to see another body higher up the field this weekend.
Joel Robles continues between the sticks after his encouraging league debut for United last weekend. The only change I would make to the defensive unit reinstates Robin Koch alongside Max Wober in central defence.
It is understood Koch missed some training last week, but given he was not included in Sam Allardyce’s injured quartet on Thursday, we should assume he is ready to start. The German international is a more natural fit in the centre and has proven to be a solid partner for Wober in the past.
Adam Forshaw immediately put himself to the summit of the central midfield rankings last week, but I could be taking a risk by removing the protection he enjoyed at the Etihad. Weston McKennie showed some useful vision in United’s good second-half moments in Manchester and his long throw-in does make him a more attractive option.
Marc Roca frustrated again and would drop out for me on Saturday. Crysencio Summerville would be the beneficiary. The Dutch youngster can be a weapon on the break out wide, while Jack Harrison should be diligent enough to put a foot in as the central attacking midfielder, while getting forward to support Rodrigo.
Yes, I would look to the Spain international rather than Patrick Bamford at the tip of the attack. His goal record speaks volumes this season and even if you are losing some of the Englishman’s hold-up play, Leeds need goals if they are going to stay up.
Beren’s XI: Robles; Ayling, Koch, Wober, Firpo; McKennie, Forshaw; Summerville, Harrison, Gnonto; Rodrigo.
Will Jackson
Last weekend’s loss to Manchester City was hard to draw conclusions from. Leeds were comfortably second best, but they were always expected to be and for that reason, I don’t think too many changes need to be made to the line-up.
I don’t see any reason to make a change between the sticks at this stage. Joel Robles did himself no harm at all with his performance at Etihad Stadium and while Illan Meslier is the club’s long-term number one, he doesn’t look ready to come back in at this point.
Luke Ayling and Max Wober fared relatively well against the reigning champions and I’d be keen to see them keep their places. At the same time, I’d also be looking to bring Robin Koch back into the middle of the defence after watching the defeat at City from the bench.
Wober and Koch performed well together earlier in the season and, for me, that looks like the way to go from here on in. The midfield struggled to make an impact last time out, but Adam Forshaw simply has to start again.
I’ve been less than impressed with Marc Roca lately, but it’s harder to make a case for Weston McKennie starting this weekend and therefore the Spaniard gets the nod from me, with Jack Harrison making up the midfield three. Allardyce’s biggest dilemma comes up front as he ponders whether Patrick Bamford or Rodrigo should lead the line.
Personally, Rodrigo has to be the man. He’s shown he’s more clinical and dangerous in front of goal this season and Leeds need goals if they’re to survive at this stage.
Bamford offers plenty, but Rodrigo gets the nod for the final three games in my eyes. Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville start on the wings.
Will’s XI: Robles; Ayling, Koch, Wober, Firpo; Roca, Forshaw, Harrison; Gnonto, Rodrigo, Summerville.
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