Beren Cross
Three changes are how I would go in the Leeds United dugout for the trip to West Ham United. The team was generally impressive, personal errors aside, in its 2-2 draw with Champions League-chasing Newcastle United last weekend, so tweaks rather than surgery seem appropriate.
Joel Robles has been very confident between the sticks since taking the gloves from Illan Meslier and absolutely continues in Stratford, for me. Luke Ayling has steadied himself after a series of poor displays under Javi Gracia, leading from the front last weekend.
Robin Koch is my preferred choice on the right side of central defence, but his quietly impressive turn in midfield last week, coupled with the dearth of alternatives there, make him my anchor man. That leaves a left-footer on the right of central defence or the Rasmus Kristensen pick Allardyce has preferred.
READ MORE: Sam Allardyce's plan for 'valuable' Leeds United asset ahead of potential relegation D-Day
The Dane’s passing has been frustrating to watch, but the right-sided balance he would bring to the back four keeps him ahead of Pascal Struijk in that role. Liam Cooper for the suspended Junior Firpo is an easy call, with Max Wober pushed out to left-back.
Adam Forshaw, if he wakes up feeling ready to go on Sunday, is a vital cog in the midfield I would bring straight back into the fold. Sam Greenwood struggled last weekend and Forshaw’s experience will be invaluable, as well as his calmness in possession..
Weston McKennie’s inconsistent form remains a problem, but there is nobody else I could see doing a better job in the team without sacrificing this 4-1-2-3 shape. Rodrigo and Jack Harrison continue in my frontline, but Patrick Bamford would make way.
The number nine has had a difficult week after his penalty miss and death threats so severe the club had to release a statement and bulk up his family security. Abuse and redemption narrative aside, Bamford’s form does not justify a start, in my eyes.
Rodrigo to the middle and Wilfried Gnonto back out wide.
Beren’s XI: Robles; Ayling, Kristensen, Cooper, Wober; Koch; McKennie, Forshaw; Harrison, Rodrigo, Gnonto.
Will Jackson
This week’s Leeds United selection to face West Ham United is relatively straightforward. Wholesale changes aren’t needed, in my view, but bringing some key men back into the starting line-up could well be crucial.
Joel Robles gets the nod in goal for the remainder of the season at this stage, while both Luke Ayling and Rasmus Kristensen did enough to keep their spots in the side making up the right-hand side of the defensive line. There are a couple of defensive alterations, though, with Junior Firpo to miss the trip to east London through suspension.
Max Wober moves into that left-back spot, for me, but only on the condition Liam Cooper is fit to start. Cooper has restarted training at Thorp Arch and if he’s in a position to play at the London Stadium, he has to.
His leadership and nous could be absolutely pivotal for Leeds at this point in the season and with Wober on his left shoulder, I would be more than confident about their ability to contain any threat West Ham pose. If Cooper isn’t fit enough, then I’d be looking to bring Struijk in to play at left-back, with Wober staying at centre-back.
In the middle, it’s clear Adam Forshaw has to start. Leeds look better with Forshaw in the side at present and he has a key role to play between now and the final whistle next week against Spurs. I liked Robin Koch in midfield last time out, while I would be asking Jack Harrison to step back to complete the midfield three with both Weston McKennie and Sam Greenwood dropping out.
Crysencio Summerville has only played a bit-part role under Allardyce so far, but I’d be selecting him for his pace and unpredictability on the right, with Wilfried Gnonto getting the nod on the left. I’d also take Patrick Bamford out of the firing line.
The striker looked extremely short of confidence last week against Newcastle, not helped by the missed penalty, of course, and Rodrigo is the better option to start right now.
Will’s XI: Robles; Ayling, Kristensen, Cooper, Wober; Forshaw, Koch, Harrison; Summerville, Rodrigo, Gnonto.
READ NEXT:
Sean Dyche details if Leeds United 'advantage' will play into Everton hands in relegation scrap
Every word Sam Allardyce said on Bamford, Leeds United frustrations, injuries, Rutter, West Ham
Allardyce urges Bamford to deliver perfect riposte to Leeds United critics after vile threats
Sam Allardyce mulls over Leeds United advantage after West Ham's Europa Conference League joy
