Time for Rutter?
Leeds United could at long last unleash the most expensive transfer in their history this afternoon. Georginio Rutter has had exactly two weeks to settle in at Thorp Arch and Accrington Stanley looks likely to be the start of his West Yorkshire odyssey.
It will be fascinating to see where the versatile Frenchman plays, how he dovetails with his teammates and how he copes with League One opposition in front of a crowd unlikely to go beyond 5,500.
How many changes and how many protected?
With a clear week before and after this FA Cup clash, United’s regulars should not be in need of any fatigue-induced rest. Total rest in Lancashire would also effectively mean a fortnight off between the Brentford and Nottingham Forest games, which Jesse Marsch may look to avoid.
READ MORE: Leeds United line-ups vs Accrington Stanley as Rutter and Bamford start in five changes
Add these considerations to the fact Leeds are very keen on progression to the fifth round and it seems a tall order Marsch goes out to 11 changes. Rodrigo was namechecked in Thursday’s press conference as a candidate for dropping out, what about Wilfried Gnonto?
Ending a seven-year wait?
The Whites have been to the fifth round of the FA Cup twice in the last 20 years and the last time was 2016. Progress this afternoon and Marsch ends a seven-year wait for what feels like hope in the cup.
Do Adams or Cooper make it?
Tyler Adams and Liam Cooper were rated as questionable ahead of this game by Marsch. Do either of them declare themselves as fit or are they even risked by the head coach? It seems a big ask with so many critical matches around the February corner.
Backline experiments?
With Cooper a doubt and Robin Koch banned at Forest it will be intriguing to see how Marsch uses this opportunity for his backline. Rasmus Kristensen and Junior Firpo did well in the Cardiff City replay, while Max Wober and Koch were impressive last weekend.
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