Attempting to get inside the head of Leeds United boss Javi Gracia has been tricky in recent weeks. The Spaniard has kept his cards close to his chest when it comes to the selection of his starting XI and although he doesn’t generally like to make too many changes to his side, he does have a tendency to make wildcard calls.
The performance at Fulham is still so fresh, though, and that has to play a big part in his thinking when it comes to his selection to face Leicester City. It’s a must-win game for Leeds in their battle for survival and changes are surely on the cards.
Despite the thoughts of pundits and supporters, it seems unlikely that Gracia will opt for a change between the sticks. Illan Meslier has struggled in the last few games and the errors he made at Craven Cottage did him no favours at all.
However, dropping him for Joel Robles could have a huge impact down the line on the Frenchman, who until recently had been considered one of the club’s more consistent performers this season. Rasmus Kristensen had a miserable afternoon in west London against Willian and it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of imagination to see Luke Ayling come back into the side and attempt to use his experience to shore things up.
Liam Cooper and Max Wober were Leeds’ best in the capital and if they’re able to make the quick turnaround, they’ll surely start. Weston McKennie picked up huge amounts of criticism for his performance against the Cottagers and it’s hard to make a case for his selection this evening.
Adam Forshaw is fit and available to step into the line-up for the first time since the clash at Newcastle United on New Year’s Eve and it seems as though he’s the obvious choice to step in should changes come in the middle. Gracia has never not started Brenden Aaronson since he’s been at the club and despite his recent struggles, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him keep faith with the American.
Luis Sinisterra and Wilfried Gnonto have to be recognised as the best options on the flanks with both players providing the goal threat Leeds so desperately need. Gnonto has struggled to convince Gracia that he deserves a starting spot in the side, but the Spaniard might feel the need to roll the dice at this point. Patrick Bamford is fit but Rodrigo is the frontrunner to start up front.
Predicted line-up: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Cooper, Wober; Roca, Forshaw; Sinisterra, Aaronson, Gnonto; Rodrigo
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