Leicester City star Harvey Barnes has been a real thorn in Leeds United’s side. His record against Leeds is stunning, and it makes Javi Gracia’s decision at right-back absolutely crucial ahead of Tuesday night’s clash at Elland Road.
Dean Smith told his press conference on Monday that Barnes – along with Jamie Vardy and James Maddison – will be fit to be involved against Leeds on Tuesday night. He had been missing for the last two games through injury.
Barnes has been excellent for Leicester this season – despite his side’s poor form. He is Leicester’s top scorer with 10 Premier League goals in 28 games. But it is his record against Leeds that is quite astonishing, going into Tuesday.
Indeed, Barnes – who in July 2018 told Victor Orta he was joining Leeds on loan, before moving to West Brom – has played seven times against Leeds. In those games, he has scored six goals and secured four wins against Leeds.
Almost a goal a game against Leeds, playing against us for West Brom and Leicester. A player that seems to be getting better with every season – improving his end product. He is back in town as Leicester look for another win.
Leicester star Harvey Barnes has been a real thorn in Leeds United’s side
Barnes is fit and will be a threat once again should he be fit enough to start. It means Gracia must get his decision at right-back correct – and, the player in front of his choice on the right side of defence, to cope with £60m Barnes.
Rasmus Kristensen has come in in the last two games but hardly done enough to show Gracia why he should start over Luke Ayling. Ayling has experience of Barnes, but of course, Barnes has had plenty of success against Ayling.
Given Kristensen has started the last two, and Ayling has struggled with Barnes in the past – the Dane has got to start. But he needs help to nullify Barnes and it will be down to whoever Gracia picks at right wing to track back.
