Dispensing with top-four opposition should see Leeds United return to the 4-2-3-1 Jesse Marsch preferred when the Whites were looking to take more risks. Right-back stands out as the most difficult role to fill in that shape for the head coach.
The recent comments by Marsch about Jamie Shackleton’s limited game time, coupled with Robin Koch’s move to the right flank after the two red cards may mean the Germany international gets the nod. Koch found himself in quite advanced positions on Wednesday night from that position.
Pascal Struijk may prove to be the sacrificial lamb in this system if Marsch prefers Diego Llorente’s experience and right foot in a central partnership with captain Liam Cooper. There may be some traction in Struijk as the left-back in a four, but if Junior Firpo can do anything from that slot it’s bomb forward and be the furthest man upfield when Leeds are looking for goals.
