Phil Hay is expecting Jaidon Anthony to keep his place in Leeds United’s starting XI against Bristol City if he is fit.
Hay was speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast, where he claimed Anthony’s performance on his full debut against Queens Park Rangers was enough for him to earn another start.
Anthony had been reduced to substitute appearances in his first four outings for Leeds following his deadline day loan switch from Bournemouth.
However, after making a solid impact in each of those games, Anthony was finally rewarded with a start, and he certainly did not disappoint in a fairly frustrating game.
Farke, though, has rated Anthony’s availability today as 50/50 after revealing he rolled an ankle during the win over QPR, which is probably why he was replaced on the hour mark.
Hay expects Anthony to start for Leeds
Previewing this afternoon’s clash with Bristol City, Hay has tipped Anthony to remain in the starting XI and for Farke to name an unchanged side.
He said: “I was a little bit surprised when he [Jaidon Anthony] came off, but I wasn’t surprised when Piroe came off, I though that was coming. It seemed to me like Summerville had become less influential than Anthony in the second half.
“But Anthony was starting for the first time for Leeds, hadn’t been here for pre-season and everything else so it might’ve been Farke was protecting him to a degree. I think on the strength of his performance I would definitely leave him in the team and probably go unchanged.”
There is a little point risking him if he is not fully fit with Dan James ready to come in, but if he is, there is no doubt he should be handed another start.
Anthony – who Scott Parker hailed as ‘quality’ back in 2021 – looked very bright down the left-hand-side, particularly in the first half, and Farke should give him the opportunity to carry on that momentum.
James continues to be better used as an impact substitute and that should be the same again, providing there are no fitness complications.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
