Which system?
The 4-3-3 was favoured by Jesse Marsch through Leeds United’s friendlies and Manchester City, but the 4-2-3-1 came roaring back at Newcastle United on New Year’s Eve. With a struggling West Ham United visiting Elland Road, the head coach has to take the initiative in this match and his formation will dictate that.
Tyler Adams, for example, is yet to be used in the 4-3-3, but he has prospered in the 4-2-3-1. Could he be even better with another midfielder alongside him?
Wober paraded?
With Max Wober’s signature confirmed on Tuesday morning and his exclusion from tonight’s matchday squad already established, the Austrian could well be introduced pre-match. The defender will not get a better opportunity to sample a packed Elland Road given how focused he will be on preparing for games from here on out.
READ MORE: Leeds United's Wober help from Rangnick, digs out lazy teammates and one vs one boss
A message to Wober?
It’s impossible for Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk and Junior Firpo to ignore the elephant Wober brings to the room. This is a 24-year-old, left-sided defender, playing regularly for Austria with leadership attributes.
Four into two does not go and while Firpo has probably accepted his status for now, Struijk or Cooper are about to feel the cold of the bench when Wober eventually establishes himself. Tonight would be a timely opportunity for both of them to remind everyone, especially Marsch, why they should not be dropped any time soon.
Forshaw, Roca or both?
The system will dictate who Marsch picks, but this particular debate feels as tight as it’s ever been. Adam Forshaw’s summer injury gave Roca a clear run at a partnership with Adams, which blossomed through the autumn.
However, just as Roca has shown some recent signs of stalling, Forshaw is slowly but surely playing his way into some sharpness. If he’s fit to play, he will have high hopes Marsch sticks with him, especially if Leeds are to play on the front foot.
Harrison or Summerville?
Unfortunately, Jack Harrison picked up where he left off on New Year’s Eve. The winger’s final few appearances heading into the World Cup break were well below par, but there was little sign of improvement in an anonymous turn on Tyneside.
Granted, it was against a dominant opponent, but Crysencio Summerville was bright from the bench and it’s hard to forget just how prolific he looked before the Qatar pause. If the Dutchman is sharpening up, Marsch may well be tempted to go for his trickery and movement.
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