Jesse Marsch will field questions from the media this afternoon as the build-up begins to Leeds United’s clash with Crystal Palace. The Whites travel down to south London on Sunday and Marsch will be speaking with television, radio, print and online journalists at Thorp Arch to preview the clash.
Here is a run-down of some of the main topics on the agenda for the American to address at the training ground today.
Sinisterra’s replacement
The winger’s dismissal was one of the major talking points to emerge from last Sunday’s draw with Aston Villa. Regardless of what has been said about it, though, he’ll be suspended for this weekend’s clash against Palace and Marsch needs to decide on a replacement.
Read more: Luis Sinisterra ban gives Jesse Marsch opportunity to turn to Leeds United trump card
Crysencio Summerville is one option to be considered, while Patrick Bamford, Mateusz Klich and even Wilfried Gnonto are possibilities for the head coach, depending on how comfortable he is with an attacking reshuffle. Marsch isn’t likely to give anything away, but he’ll certainly be asked about his options and how much Sinisterra, who has performed well so far, will be missed.
Injuries
The head coach revealed on Sunday that Bamford had picked up a knock in the build-up to the clash with Aston Villa and that prevented him from making a start for the Whites against Steven Gerrard’s side. As such, Bamford’s fitness will be on the agenda this time around and the head coach will probably provide some sort of update where the forward is concerned.
Of course, the team selection may depend on Bamford’s fitness, with a decision to be made in attacking areas. Cody Drameh picked up an issue whilst in action for the Under-21s on Tuesday night at Tranmere Rovers, while the head coach will give an update on Adam Forshaw’s fitness, too.
Forshaw suffered an injury in the days prior to the Villa game and Marsch will be keen to see the midfielder return to full health sooner rather than later.
The kids are all right
Marsch will have been watching on with pride on Tuesday night as United’s U21s saw off League Two Tranmere in scintillating fashion. The Whites won 5-3 on the night, with Mateo Joseph, Sonny Perkins and Drameh being amongst the goals.
The American will have been watching their displays closely, but he will have paying even closer attention to the performances of Joe Gelhardt, who scored two, Sam Greenwood, who was sent off, and Wilfried Gnonto. Gelhardt was overlooked by Marsch last weekend and as a result the youngster will have been keen to prove a point with his performance in Merseyside, which he certainly did.
Leeds’ young stars are being spoken about by supporters and Marsch may field a question or two about them.
Away form
The Whites are unbeaten on home soil this year, winning two and drawing two of their first four games. However, they have only picked up one point on the road this season, with Leeds saving their worst performances for their last two away games.
Defeats have come at Brighton and Brentford and that may be a concern for Marsch as he prepares his side for the trip to Selhurst Park. He’ll be confident of turning it around, but if Leeds struggle to find a way to win away from Elland Road, that would certainly be a worry.
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