Leeds United supporters have questioned Jesse Marsch's decision to leave Kalvin Phillips on the bench for this afternoon's crucial clash with Watford. The 26-year-old has been named as a substitute for the third successive game after recovering from a hamstring injury.
There is one change to the Leeds side from the 1-1 draw against Southampton, as Robin Koch comes in for Adam Forshaw. The Whites head into the game knowing that a win would be a major step towards Premier League safety.
Meanwhile, opponents Watford are struggling at the wrong end of the table, with a poor record at Vicarage Road, losing their last home eight games. However, Leeds fans are struggling to understand why Marsch has decided to start with Koch over Phillips in midfield.
READ MORE: Roy Hodgson praises 'competitive' Leeds United change since Jesse Marsch arrival
Here is what some had to say on social media, as supporters admitted that their pre-match nerves have gone up a notch...
@AndrewFirth21: Wow Koch at CDM whilst England’s CDM is on the bench really don’t get that but what do I know #lufc
@brianenoschinos: Scratching my head over that team sheet. #lufc
@KrzysztofWrzal: Interesting why Marsch didn't pick Kalvin in starting 11. Propably still not fully fit. He will come on in the 2nd half and take control on the pitch. #lufc
@josh0sborn: No Phillips. What a joke. We lose today I’m sure of it. #lufc
@SherriffAlex: KP instead of Koch for me. #lufc
@FlyTheWhiteRose: Why hasn’t he started Phillips?! I don’t care if he isn’t 100%, this is a game we have to win! You start your best players! Forshaw must be I’ll. Koch’s not a midfielder for me, he’s a defender. BUT saying that, impact subs when needed, Watford are a weird side. Come on #LUFC!
@NathanRmusician: Leeds fans all week debating the Klich/Forshaw with Phillips lineup, only for Jesse to pull a mad one and start a defender in midfield and Phillips on the bench is incredible. Big Bielsa energy #lufc
@bielsa_FC: This game needs Phillips #lufc
@ConnorMOT92: Why an earth is Koch in midfield. Phillips should be starting. #LUFC
@ChattingLeeds: How phillips isn’t starting I do not know, more nervous now #LUFC
@ThrultAllLUFC: Robin Koch takes up midfield position over Forshaw as KP remains on the bench, perhaps just for physicality. Gelhardt and Summerville on the bench and quite a few options defensively too. #LUFC
