Javi Gracia is still waiting to be given the green light to get work at Leeds United. The head coach was appointed on Tuesday, subject to a work permit, and at the time of writing that work permit still hasn’t come through.
Michael Skubala will be in charge until Gracia can take the reins fully but the Spaniard will hope the paperwork is signed off in time to take charge of the game against Southampton on Saturday. It’s a must-win game for Leeds, who know a win could be enough to pull them out of the bottom three.
Anything other than three points against the side currently propping up the division would certainly make Gracia’s job harder moving forward. Therefore, the sooner he can get to work with his side, the better.
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The 52-year-old will be making plans in preparation for Saturday’s game and although he hasn’t seen his players on the training ground, he’ll be mulling over his first starting XI. Here’s a look at some of the selection dilemmas he could be faced with this weekend.
Defence
It seems the biggest call Gracia might have to make in the backline will be at left-back, with the former Watford and Valencia coach faced with a choice between either Junior Firpo or Pascal Struijk, assuming the latter is fit, of course. Struijk has missed the last two games due to the head injury he picked up at Old Trafford earlier this month, but he is expected to be back in contention this week.
Firpo has played in his place and fared relatively well, despite Leeds losing against Manchester United and Everton, and he could be the favourite to claim the position. Gracia has done his homework on Leeds and he’ll know plenty about the pair of them, but he’ll also be keen to see them in person before reaching a decision.
There could be a choice to make in the heart of defence, too. Max Wober dislocated his shoulder at Goodison Park last weekend and is expected to spend some time on the sidelines.
That opens up a spot alongside Robin Koch in the middle. Liam Cooper, if he’s fit enough, will be the favourite but Struijk could also be considered, given his natural position is a left-sided centre-back. Luke Ayling seems to be the lead candidate at right-back, but a change could be made there if Gracia favours Rasmus Kristensen or looks to change the system.
A three at the back would more than likely see Ayling move inside, while Kristensen is given the nod to play as a wing-back.
Midfield
Midfield changes depend entirely on the system Gracia plans to use at Elland Road. He has used a range of formations in the past, but 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2 seem to be amongst his favourites.
Such systems would suit Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams to a tee. He might even make it a midfield three, if Marc Roca is fit enough, in an attempt to control the middle of the park and make the Whites hard to break down out of possession.
Should he opt for a creative outlet in the number 10 role, he has a number of options. Jack Harrison underwhelmed in the position last time out at Goodison, but he is more than capable of impressing there on his day. Brenden Aaronson and Sam Greenwood are the only other obvious choices and both would be coming off impressive displays with the Under-21s on Monday night.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Wilfried Gnonto was one of the first players on Gracia’s teamsheet, no matter the formation, on the left-hand side. On the right, though, his options aren't as straightforward. Crysencio Summerville has played there in recent weeks and if width is what the new head coach wants, he is perhaps the most obvious choice, given Harrison is left-footed.
However, Aaronson could thrive on the right in the 4-2-2-2, while Georginio Rutter could even get the nod.
Attack
As it stands, Patrick Bamford doesn’t really have too much competition when it comes to the lone striker role. The striker is edging himself back to form and while goalscoring chances aren’t coming as often as he would like, his pressing work off the ball can be key.
With Rodrigo set to miss the next few weeks through injury, Rutter is Bamford’s only real bit of competition. However, there would be spot for them both if Gracia opts to play two up front.
Rutter spent most of his time at Hoffenheim playing with a strike partner and his pace and threat on the move could provide the service Bamford needs to get his goal tally ticking over once more. Gnonto can also play centrally, but that would mean moving him from the left, where he has excelled since breaking into the side late last year.
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