Jesse Marsch sits down in front of the media this afternoon to preview Leeds United’s clash with Bournemouth on Saturday. The Whites are fresh from seeing off Liverpool last weekend and the head coach has plenty to discuss as he speaks to television, radio, print and online journalists.
Here’s a look at just some of the main topics on the agenda for the American at Thorp Arch this afternoon.
Injuries
Marsch is expected to give his usual injury rundown before taking questions from the journalists in attendance at Thorp Arch. The big update to look out for is the fitness of Luis Sinisterra, who missed the trip to Anfield last weekend with a foot complaint.
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He should have restarted training this week and Marsch will be keen to welcome the Colombian back into the fold, given he has been Leeds’ chief threat in recent weeks. The head coach should also provide updates on Adam Forshaw, Stuart Dallas and any other injuries Leeds may have picked up either at Anfield or in training.
There was some good news in midweek, though, as Leo Hjelde made a return to action for the U21s following his appendix surgery.
Winger decision
Marsch could find himself with a decision to make out wide if Sinisterra is fit enough to be involved on Saturday at Elland Road. Crysencio Summerville was the man to step into the team last Saturday and he obviously bagged the winning goal in the closing minutes of the game.
As such, dropping Summerville would be difficult, but leaving Sinisterra out would also be tricky. There could be a case for playing both and dropping Jack Harrison to the bench, but, again, that would be a tough call given his importance to the team.
Anfield impact
Marsch was relatively subdued on Saturday night as he sat down in front of the press after seeing his side pull off one of the shocks of the campaign so far. The result brought an end to the club’s eight-game winless streak and with the pressure building, it was a result that he and the team desperately needed.
What impact has that result and performance had this week, though, as Leeds returned to training and started building up to Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth? Has the mood changed around camp? Has there been an injection of confidence? Have the players been more receptive on the training field?
Marsch will speak about the impact Saturday’s result has had at Thorp Arch this week, but he’s also expected to spell out the importance of building on that positivity against Bournemouth.
Pressure still on?
The win over Liverpool would mean very little if Leeds were to succumb to another home defeat against Bournemouth this weekend. The newly promoted side should not be taken lightly, especially given recent performances, but Marsch knows Leeds must pick up three more points on Saturday to really start to ease the pressure around Elland Road.
Another win could guarantee Leeds a spot outside the relegation zone over the World Cup break and that would certainly allow the head coach to work without the weight of the world on his shoulders.
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