Experiments do not get much airtime during the season because, by their nature, they are untried, untested and have the potential to go horribly wrong. The World Cup may have blown a hole in the campaign, but it does give Jesse Marsch a window to play with at Leeds United.
The Whites have two public friendlies in the books with Elche and Real Sociedad, while a third could be on the cards in the week before the Premier League returns. That’s ample opportunity for Marsch to cut loose and test some changes out.
The trip to Alicante for the clash with Elche is up first on December 8. With Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams and Rasmus Kristensen either playing at Qatar or now recuperating after action, Marsch has virtually everyone available to use.
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Injury question marks persist around Luis Sinisterra and Stuart Dallas, but Patrick Bamford and Adam Forshaw should be in the clear based on Marsch’s comments going into the Tottenham Hotspur loss. Those two could be among the main selections the head coach tries out.
Forshaw has played 50 minutes in the league this season and not appeared since late August. With Tyler Adams suspended for Manchester City’s visit, Forshaw needs to be tested in that role, either alongside Marc Roca or perhaps with Darko Gyabi, who’s another Marsch evidently likes.
Gyabi was strong in the tackle at Wolverhampton Wanderers before the break, but showed naivety at points. The 18-year-old has a lot of progression ahead of him, but Marsch may be tempted to see what he gets from him this month.
Bamford’s hip issue was described as a seven-day injury when he did it, but he was then missing from the Spurs match eight days later. If the striker is pain-free, as expected, then he desperately needs pitch time to sharpen up.
Marsch is unlikely to need too many more questions answered on Illan Meslier, so Kristoffer Klaesson might be somebody he needs to see more of between the sticks. If not him, then Joel Robles, who did so well in the EFL Cup match at Molineux.
Luke Ayling is an obvious avenue at right-back with Kristensen away, while Pascal Struijk may be a temptation in central defence. The Dutchman has done well at left-back, but Marsch may want to see him in the middle with Robin Koch to keep him ticking over in the hope another left-back arrived next month.
Junior Firpo is, of course, the natural, existing option in that department and even if many of the supporters have made up their minds on him, Marsch has to keep him sharp. Do not be surprised if he is used regularly through these friendlies.
Wilfried Gnonto is another name with limited minutes, but high potential. After a full debut at Tottenham, Marsch could want to see more of the Italy international through these friendlies in a wider role.
Sonny Perkins may be too far from realistic first-team action to warrant extended minutes, but if, in Aaronson’s absence, Marsch wants to try something different behind Bamford, the former West Ham United youth may be a choice.
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