Pragmatism, survival and the satisfaction of two clean sheets rung out as key lines in Jesse Marsch’s press conference when it comes to plotting his Leeds United team selection. Mateusz Klich’s half-time withdrawal at Crystal Palace due to the need to be more defensively solid can only be taken one way when you consider Manchester City, the best team in the Premier League, are coming to town.
The most likely scenario for Saturday evening is a Leeds side with 10 men behind the ball, camped in their own defensive third of the field. Is Marsch going to prefer Koch or Klich making tackles and blocks at close quarters in, and on the edge of, his own box?
The Germany international’s return seems like the only realistic switch Marsch may make. Junior Firpo is making progress since his recovery from injury, but the head coach did hint this may not be the most suitable match for him to return in.
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The debate around Daniel James rumbles on, but his pressing ability and work rate was again praised by Marsch, who noted how much more pressure Leeds came under once the Wales international went off at Selhurst Park.
Predicted line-up: Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Cooper, Dallas; Koch, Phillips; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison; James.
