Luke Ayling has come under fire from some sections of Leeds United’s fanbase for his form so far this season.
Ayling has started every league game under Daniel Farke but is clearly seen as dispensable amid the arrival of Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur last month.
Farke made signing a new right-back a priority in the summer and before the addition of Spence, came within hours of reuniting with Max Aarons before Bournemouth swooped in at the 11th hour.
Ayling’s place would appear safe for now with Spence having unfortunately picked up a knee injury in training last week that will keep him out of action for eight weeks.
However, that should not mean that his place in the side is a guarantee and with a tricky test at Hull City tomorrow night, he should be dropped.
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Farke should drop Ayling at Hull on Wednesday
Ayling produced his best performance of the season at Millwall on Sunday but it is fair to say he was somewhat of a weakness defensively, with crosses persistently allowed to come in from his side.
Leeds cannot afford for that to be the case tomorrow but it is hard to see otherwise if Ayling starts with Hull possessing an extremely talented left winger in Jaden Philogene.
Philogene is very quick which is an attribute that Ayling can sometimes struggle to deal with, and as such, Jamie Shackleton should be brought back into the XI.
Despite impressing before the international break, Shackleton was dropped for the 3-0 win at Millwall but amid Leeds‘ hectic schedule this week, rotation will be important.
Farke has already pointed out that Ayling will not be able to play every game at his age and tomorrow night represents the perfect opportunity to hand him a rest.
Shackleton will be able to cope with the pace of Philogene more effectively than Ayling while also handing him the chance to rest his legs ahead of another tight turnaround against Watford on Saturday.