Beren Cross
Insight from Leeds United’s latest training video has proved helpful in working out who we have to play with. It was a surprise to see Tyler Adams missing entirely, but a bigger surprise to see Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson chucked straight into full training.
Joel Robles is the obvious pick between the sticks in Illan Meslier and Kristoffer Klaesson’s absences. Cody Drameh is the man I would want to see at right-back.
The 21-year-old is third in the pecking order with little chance of Premier League minutes, but clearly with immense potential. As the January transfer window nears, and with it some difficult choices, he needs to be chucked into these matches for a last look at what they do with him.
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Robin Koch did not seem to be in the thick of full training so, in his absence it seems sensible to get Diego Llorente’s engine running. If, in a hugely unfortunate turn of events, Koch remains unavailable for Manchester City, Llorente needs to be sharp and ready to start.
Leo Hjelde also struggled at left-back in Elche last week, so Pascal Struijk would return out wide for me. Incidentally, Junior Firpo was also missing from the training footage.
An Adam Forshaw-Marc Roca axis seems the sensible basket for Jesse Marsch to chuck his eggs into. The former needs as much pitch time as he can before the champions arrive in less than a fortnight.
I would prefer to give Aaronson a run-out from the bench after his recent return from the World Cup, but there aren’t too many alternatives which serve the club when the serious stuff returns. Mateusz Klich needs a chance to bid Elland Road farewell if he decides to leave, but Monaco and City will be played at home before January arrives.
If Klich is indeed on the way out, then there are greater benefits in playing those who need time in this system moving forward. Jack Harrison and Wilfried Gnonto pick themselves on the flanks if Crysencio Summerville remains out.
Rodrigo has to start in the frontline.
Beren’s XI: Robles; Drameh, Llorente, Cooper, Struijk, Forshaw, Roca; Harrison, Aaronson, Gnonto; Rodrigo.
Will Jackson
Friday’s game will be about providing minutes and opportunities, among other things, and therefore I’d quite like to see a team with a healthy mix of senior men and youth. That starts in the back line with a chance for Cody Drameh to show what he can offer the Whites at a first-team level.
I’ve followed his progress closely in the under-21s this season and I’ve been hugely impressed with his ability and mentality on the field of play. He wants first-team football, of course, and I’d give him the chance to make a point at Elland Road.
It can’t hurt to give Liam Cooper some more reps alongside Robin Koch, if available, given they make up the club’s first-choice centre-back pairing. In the middle, Adam Forshaw has to get some minutes under his belt.
Tyler Adams is suspended for the Manchester City clash after Christmas and Forshaw looks to be the next cab off the rank. He’s only made three Premier League appearances, though, and a run out against the Spanish side would certainly help bolster his gas tank, you’d think.
I’d give Jack Harrison and Joe Gelhardt the chance to build up some much-needed confidence as the restart approaches after going through difficult periods before the World Cup. Wilfried Gnonto looks like a solid option on the left-hand side of the field, too.
Regardless of his uncertain future, amid transfer interest from DC United, this could also be a good chance to give Mateusz Klich a start at Elland Road. The Pole hasn’t had anywhere near enough game time this season and I’d give him a run-out, especially after his spectacular goal against Elche last week.
Will’s XI: Robles; Drameh, Koch, Cooper, Struijk; Forshaw, Roca; Harrison, Klich, Gnonto; Gelhardt.
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