With focus on senior team and battle for survival and u23s used in senior squad, how secure are U23s in their top division? Depending on how fixtures fall, are Leeds looking to ensure best U23 players are featuring, so will the likes of Joffy, Greenwood and Cresswell feature for them?
As much as everyone wants to see the under-23s do well, the first team has to take priority and I can't imagine anyone will play with the under-23s on Friday if Marsch intends to take them to Palace three days later. I was surprised Gelhardt and co didn't play with the 23s at Brighton last Friday because of the gaps between games, but if they're not playing that one it's hard to see them playing this one.
That does, as you have alluded to, mean the 23s are right in the thick of a relegation battle. They are four points clear of second-bottom Chelsea, but the Blues have one game in hand on Leeds. With Man City (first) and Arsenal (third) left to play it's going to be a big ask for points from the last two. Chelsea play Brighton (ninth), Blackburn (10th) and Tottenham (seventh).
Are these links regarding Kalvin to Man United true or a load of rubbish?
I have no doubts Manchester United would be interested in Kalvin. He's a key England international without European football and he plays in a position they badly need to strengthen in. It would be strange if they weren't interested in him, but their interest and a move happening are very different things. Phillips needs to sign the contract we expect him to and Leeds need to look at their finances for this summer. You would not be surprised if big bids came in for Raphinha this summer and if he were to go I highly doubt Leeds would sell Phillips in the same window.
READ MORE: Leeds United favourites and cult heroes among the ex-Whites battling for Championship promotion
Who starts against Palace in the nine role?
Based on the 10 points from the previous 12 available, I find it hard to imagine Marsch will change it too much going into the Palace game. Gelhardt is sure to have got the rhythm and training Marsch wants from him, but my bet would be on Dan James to carry on there.
I'd like to see Gelhardt up top sooner rather than later, but I just think Marsch will have seen enough momentum and rhythm from James across these past four results to keep him in there for now. Gelhardt's only played 69 minutes of football since that Norwich winner more than a month ago. I just think Marsch will see him as a little undercooked going into Palace.
Would expect Phillips is the only serious candidate for Marsch to make a change. Koch would be the one to drop out for me.
