Sam Allardyce faces the media on Friday morning for his pre-match press conference. The Leeds United head coach will take questions from television, radio, print and online journalists at Thorp Arch ahead of the West Ham United clash on Sunday.
Here is a run-down of some of the main topics on the agenda for the boss to address at the training ground today.
Injury questions marks
While Luis Sinisterra has been ruled out for the season and Tyler Adams given virtually the same fate, Liam Cooper and maybe even Stuart Dallas have a chance for the final two games. The club captain was understood to be close to proving his fitness ahead of the Newcastle United draw, while Dallas seems a longer shot, but due an update from Allardyce.
READ MORE: Robin Koch, Rodrigo, Elland Road capacity push and the decisions Leeds United are waiting on
Firpo replacement
One guaranteed change Allardyce will have to make is his replacement for the suspended Junior Firpo. The left-back was shown a red card last weekend after persistent fouls caught up with him on a wretched afternoon.
Pascal Struijk may be where the smart money is, but Allardyce Is sure to be pushed on what he has in store for solving that hole.
Midfield combination
Adam Forshaw’s absence from last weekend’s game caused some consternation before Allardyce confirmed it was a case of managing the midfielder’s minutes. That topic could be raised again this morning, along with another face in the middle.
Robin Koch was a surprise in the holding role last weekend, but quietly impressed. Whether Allardyce continues with that experiment could be broached too.
Bamford’s week
Patrick Bamford created all the wrong headlines last weekend with his decisive penalty miss, but was at the centre of fresh headlines for all the wrong reasons at the start of this week. United put out a statement condemning the vile abuse and threats which had been sent to Bamford and his family.
Allardyce could be quizzed on the striker’s demeanour, morale and confidence after such adversity across the past seven days.
Rutter’s role
Allardyce has overlooked club record signing Georginio Rutter in each of his two games at the helm. The head coach was in attendance at the Premier League 2 Division Two play-off final on Monday night and saw the Frenchman's first goal in Leeds colours.
While scoring at that level is no guarantee of success in the senior top flight, Rutter is a subject yet to be discussed with Allardyce. Could he play a meaningful role before this sorry season concludes?
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