Jesse March will have spent the last few days mulling over his Leeds United starting XI with at least one change set to come this weekend. The Whites are without a win in four, but they’ll be confident of halting that run by picking up three points at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
The Whites produced a defensive performance they could be happy with last time out against Aston Villa after seeing Luis Sinisterra sent off and Marsch will have been working all week to ensure his side can build on that in south London. Just who replaces Sinisterra in the side appears to be the big talking point leading into the game and Marsch may have provided a hint in his pre-match press conference.
The head coach made the point of piling praise on the 20-year-old Crysencio Summerville for his form, before insisting that he is in consideration for the starting XI. Marsch praised Wilfried Gnonto and Joe Gelhardt, while he also spoke about Rodrigo and Bamford playing together, in a move that would likely see Brenden Aaronson pushed out wide, as he was at the start of the campaign.
Read more: Jesse Marsch gives Leeds United wing options hint in Luis Sinisterra's absence
His enthusiasm about Summerville, though, seems to suggest that he could be tempted to hand the youngster his first Premier League start before potentially looking to more youth off the bench.
Kristensen and Struijk seem to have done more than enough to establish themselves at the top of the pecking order for now, ahead of Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo, who are fit and looking for chances in the side. Jack Harrison looks set to move back onto the left wing after looking slightly uncomfortable on the right last time out.
It would appear Marsh has a straight choice up front, too, after confirming Patrick Bamford is fit to start for the first time since August. Rodrigo fared reasonably well the other day, but Bamford may well be the popular choice on Sunday to take on the striker role.
The England international may find himself being used as a potential match winner off the bench, though, with Rodrigo’s early season goals still fresh in the memory.
Predicted team: Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Struijk; Adams, Roca; Summerville, Aaronson, Harrison; Rodrigo.
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