Ben Parker has told LS11 on Thursday morning he thinks Luke Ayling could return to the Leeds United starting line-up on Saturday against Huddersfield Town – and has predicted a huge home win for Leeds.
Ayling was a late sub once again on Wednesday night as Leeds struggled against Stoke. A dismal first half, was followed by a missed Patrick Bamford penalty and a Pascal Struijk own goal. Leeds lost 1-0.
A dismal result that will come as a wake-up call to Leeds. Yes, the Leeds players and the squad might be better than most in the Championship – but they still have to go and show it every week, to go back up.
Ayling, 32, came off the bench on Wednesday after doing so against Bristol City and Norwich in the two games prior. His last start came in the win over QPR. Parker thinks he could be reinstated to the side.
It would be his first start then, since October 4. Parker reckons he could come in in order to free up Archie Gray, pushing the teen back into midfield. He also predicted Leeds will secure a big 4-0 victory.
“For us, I expect a couple of changes. Ayling to come in at right-back to push Gray into midfield. I expect us to be bang at it, let’s hammer them. 4-0,” ex-Leeds defender Parker said this morning, on LS11.
Ben Parker predicts Luke Ayling to return to Leeds United line-up
It could be time to bring Ayling back. A Yorkshire derby might require a bit of experience, and of course, we all remember his goal against the Terriers – volleying in and untying his hair, during his celebration.
But it would be harsh on Glen Kamara. The Finnish ace has been excellent and if Ayling does come back in, Farke will have to make a decision between Gray with Ethan Ampadu, or Kamara. The latter is rested.
Gray has now played an enormous 18 games for club and country, starting 16 of them and completing 90 minutes or near enough 90 minutes, on 15 occasions. A 4-0 win would be lovely, for the confidence.
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