Javi Gracia is under huge pressure ahead of Tuesday’s clash between Leeds United and Leicester City in what could make or break our fight against the drop – and here is how LeedsUnited.News would start, including five changes.
The talk surrounding Illan Meslier has been enormous after the Frenchman made two more mistakes at Fulham. The two goals scored by the Cottagers were both down to mistakes from Meslier, as he flapped at crosses into the box.
Joe Cole urged Gracia to make a change between the sticks and perhaps now, it is time to bring in an experienced head in Joel Robles. A goalkeeper that will perhaps be more vocal at the back, and a bigger presence in defence.
Liam Cooper was the one player that Rio Ferdinand came out of the game as a positive, but Max Wober was wasted on the left. Junior Firpo needs to come back in to free Wober up, and using Wober in midfield makes us more solid.
Wober made his debut as a sub against Cardiff in that role, and often played there for Salzburg. Marc Roca and Weston McKennie are not no.4’s, and it has seen the defence become vulnerable to counter attacks recently.
How LeedsUnited.News would start against Leicester, five changes
Without Tyler Adams, Wober is the next-best option as the man to shield the defence, freeing up Roca to play his more-natural, transitional passing game. Alongside him, Jack Harrison as the more-advanced midfielder.
His work rate will allow him to get up and down, making him more central to what is going on. Brenden Aaronson offered little once again at Fulham, and needs a rest. Willy Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra simply have to start out wide.
Up top, Patrick Bamford has now scored twice in his last three Premier League appearances and he should be given the nod over Rodrigo. More of a 4-3-3, than a 4-2-3-1, with Wober sitting and giving Roca and Harrison freedom.
It allows Leeds to be more solid without taking anything away from the front four. So, five changes to the XI. In come Robles, Firpo, Gnonto, Sinisterra and Bamford. Out go Meslier, McKennie, Summerville, Aaronson and Rodrigo.
