Beren Cross
Beren’s XI:
Will Jackson
I was pleasantly surprised by the lift in performance on Wednesday after a difficult few days at Throp Arch. The Whites played with energy and freedom at Old Trafford and I wouldn’t be straying too far from the line-up that secured a point against the Champions League chasers.
In fact, most of the changes I would make are enforced, with Pascal Struijk and Luis Sinisterra picking up injuries in the first half against Manchester United. Whether Liam Cooper is fit or not, though, I’m not sure I’d be rushing him back into the side.
That’s nothing against the club captain, who was arguably Leeds’ best against Nottingham Forest last weekend, but I just want to see Wober and Koch play together again in the middle of defence. The pair haven’t had a bad game together yet and, while Cooper has so much to offer in terms of leadership, right now I’m finding it hard to look beyond the German-speaking pair moving forward.
Struijk is out, that leaves Junior Firpo to come into the side at left-back. Firpo has built up a bit of form in recent weeks and I think he’s earned his shot.
McKennie and Adams is the obvious call in the middle of the park and I liked what Harrison had to offer in that advanced number 10 role against the Red Devils. He couldn’t always produce an end product, but he asked plenty of questions with his running game and close control.
Summerville looked strong enough on the right after replacing Sinisterra in the eighth minute of the contest, while Gnonto’s selection goes without saying. The only other change I’d make comes up front, with Rutter replacing Bamford as the club’s lead striker.
Bamford claimed an assist at Old Trafford in the first minute of the game, but he struggled to find openings as the game progressed. I’d like to see Rutter given a go in that role, with his pace and ability on the counter providing something a little different on the ball.
Will’s XI: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Wober, Firpo; McKennie, Adams; Summerville, Harrison, Gnonto; Rutter
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