Sam Allardyce has told Friday morning’s press conference that Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw will start on Sunday afternoon if he is fit enough to do so – as the Whites prepare to take on West Ham at the London Stadium.
Forshaw, 31, started and lasted 80 minutes in Allardyce’s first game against Manchester City. Against Newcastle, the star came on at half-time despite Allardyce being told he could start. But, that he would have to come off early.
So, he came on at half-time with Sam Greenwood struggling to find his feet. Against West Ham this weekend, surely Forshaw starts against a West Ham side that are strongest in the middle of the park. Marc Roca has a knee injury.
Weston McKennie looked better with Forshaw on the pitch and Robin Koch behind him in holding midfield. So, on Sunday, Forshaw has got to start and if that means he’s knackered after 60 minutes, so be it. Allardyce had his say.
“It’s his body, his career, we have to handle him with care. He’s a vital part of what is going to happen on Sunday, if he can get on the pitch, he can stay on the pitch for as a long as possible. He is a very valuable asset in midfield.”
Allardyce says Leeds midfielder Forshaw will start if fit enough to do so
Leeds don’t actually have many options instead of Forshaw now, with Roca now unfit. Greenwood could of course be handed a chance again – but he hardly laid a glove on Joelinton last week. Forshaw is easily the best option.
Even if he can only do an hour, and then Greenwood comes on and adds a bit of attacking impetus towards the end of the game if Leeds need to push. Or, bring on more a defensive player if Allardyce’s men have the lead in London.
