Beren Cross
Rodrigo’s injury may have taken the gloss off what was supposed to be the first glimpse of a redressed squad bulging with talent, but Leeds United will still have one of their strongest benches in years on Sunday. There are five changes I would make, if I was in the dugout, to the side which beat Accrington Stanley last weekend.
Luke Ayling was very good at right-back against Brentford and is backed to continue on that trajectory by reclaiming that berth from Rasmus Kristensen. Liam Cooper’s return to fitness is welcome news after Robin Koch’s suspension and Diego Llorente’s departure.
He may be left-footed, but Cooper would start alongside fellow leftie Max Wober in central defence. The Austrian’s intelligence would underpin the shape of the backline with Cooper out of position to his right and Pascal Struijk feeling his way back into form at left-back.
READ MORE: Jack Harrison painted into reluctant Leicester City corner by Leeds United ownership snag
Junior Firpo was a close call after his FA Cup renaissance, but this match feels too big a risk for the Dominican, who could yet be a weak link still. The big call is to restrict Weston McKennie to the bench.
While he and Jesse Marsch have talked up his condition, it’s important Jack Harrison continues on the right of that midfield three. Given what happened on deadline day, keeping Harrison in the side is critical for his morale.
Tyler Adams, of course, returns to the side in the centre too. Wilfried Gnonto remains one of the first names on the teamsheet, but Rodrigo’s injury means Patrick Bamford stays in the side.
It would be Bamford’s first league start since the trip to Leicester City in October, but another angle on this decision is the striker’s background. Bamford grew up as a Nottingham Forest fan and came through their youth system before Chelsea poached him.
That’s the kind of added motivation I would look to tap into. The final call is who makes for Gnonto: Luis Sinisterra or Georginio Rutter?
I lean to the former because he is six months ahead of the latter in their transition to the team and Marsch’s system. Rutter can also be a direct swap for Bamford as his legs start to tire in the second half too.
Beren's XI: Meslier; Ayling, Cooper, Wober, Struijk; Harrison, Adams, Roca; Sinisterra, Bamford, Gnonto.
Will Jackson
There’s tough calls to make across the park and I certainly don’t envy the job Jesse Marsch has in picking a starting XI this weekend. Let’s start with the easiest decision of the lot, then, and that’s Illan Meslier in goal.
In front of him, with Robin Koch suspended for the clash, I’d go with a centre-back partnership of Liam Cooper and Max Wober. Wober is left-footed and is usually seen on the left, but he has played on the right in the past and he should be able to make the switch to play alongside the captain at the heart of the defence.
Luke Ayling can also play in that right-sided centre-back role, but I’d like to see him at right-back, with Pascal Struijk on the left. Tyler Adams should be the man playing as the anchor in a midfield three and I’d have Marc Roca and Weston McKennie alongside him in what looks a solid and robust midfield.
McKennie has been playing in Serie A and he arrives in West Yorkshire fit and raring to go, meaning he comes straight into the starting XI, for me. I’d also give Jack Harrison a start following his performance at Accrington Stanley last weekend.
The winger was arguably Leeds’ best at the Wham Stadium and although he has had a topsy-turvy week, he deserves to start on the wing, where he is most comfortable. Patrick Bamford is another who caught the eye against the League One outfit and I’d give him the nod against his boyhood side in the absence of Rodrigo, while Wilfried Gnonto’s selection goes without saying.
I’m keen to see Georginio Rutter at the City Ground, but he could have a real impact as a substitute in the second half, replacing Bamford after an hour or so and attempting to run at tiring legs. The same can be said for Luis Sinisterra, who is edging his way back to full fitness.
Will’s XI: Meslier; Ayling, Wober, Cooper, Struijk; McKennie, Adams, Roca; Harrison, Bamford, Gnonto.
READ NEXT:
Weston McKennie's 'outstanding' impression as Jesse Marsch's contemplates Leeds United debut
Jesse Marsch talks through Leeds United's deadline day 11th hour Jack Harrison saga
Jesse Marsch opens up on Rodrigo injury as he gives positive update on Leeds United quartet
Diogo Monteiro arrival leaves Leeds United with two clear objectives for the summer
Rodrigo out and Weston McKennie call - pick your Leeds United team to face Nottingham Forest
