Phil Hay is expecting Liam Cooper to get the nod ahead of Charlie Cresswell to replace Joe Rodon for Leeds United this afternoon.
Hay was speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast ahead of today’s game against Watford, where he discussed some of the changes Daniel Farke could make to his starting XI.
Centre-back is certainly going to be one of the positions which will see a change, with Rodon set to serve a one-match ban after his red card at Hull City on Wednesday night.
Cooper and Cresswell are Farke’s two options to come in and replace the Welshman, with the former having returned from a six-week injury lay-off at the MKM Stadium.
The Leeds captain was handed a place on the bench in place of Cresswell, who was not included in the squad at all, which could be a telling indicator on how Farke currently sees his pecking order.
Hay expects Cooper to start ahead of Cresswell
Athletic journalist Hay has tipped Cooper to be the one to come in, despite the fact it would mean Farke fielding two left-footed centre-backs.
He said: “It is going to have to be I think [Cooper coming back in]. I would think [Cooper will be on the right] although either can adapt. I suspect you avoid disrupting the defence as much as possible by not bringing in a different centre-back and then not switching your centre-backs over.
“You probably maintain a little bit of continuity by keeping Struijk on the left-hand-side.”
Based on Wednesday night, it is hard to disagree with Cooper being the one to get the nod which will almost certainly be a huge source of frustration for Cresswell.
If he cannot come into the side when the only other right-footed centre-back is unavailable then he must surely be thinking his time here will never come.
In fairness to Farke, though, it is hard to disagree that Cooper is the best option to bring in right now regardless of what foot he is.
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