Defensive shake-up?
Pascal Struijk’s concussion has ruled him out of Leeds United contention for this afternoon’s match, but how he is replaced remains up in the air. Michael Skubala was not definitive on Liam Cooper’s condition, but would there be any sense in taking a risk on the captain?
It seems as though it’s a recovering skipper or Junior Firpo in the backline. The upside of going with the latter is the continued partnership of Robin Koch with Max Wober in central defence.
Sinisterra risked or replaced?
Luis Sinisterra seemed more positive based on Skubala’s comments. Rather than rule the Colombian out, the caretaker said the winger would probably be okay, but needed continued assessment up to kick-off.
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Given the 23-year-old had to come off with what looked like a hamstring injury less than four days ago, it seems a big risk to have him going out at full pelt this afternoon again with so many big games ahead. The more pertinent question seems to be whether they go with Crysencio Summerville or Georginio Rutter as his replacement from the start.
Skubala’s sojourn simmers some more?
The under-21s boss is the last person to start hyping up an individual’s credentials based on one game, but there was enough promise on Wednesday night to set today up as a fascinating second chapter. The fan base seems to have been taken with Skubala’s efficient press conference manner and, more importantly, his one and only result with the first team to date.
Should today map out in a similar vein, Skubala’s stock will rise, even if there is currently nothing on the radar to suggest he takes the job on a longer-term basis. A pleasant, if brief dalliance.
All eyes on the directors’ box
Towards the end of the week, the reporting trail was running cold on head coach candidates. Rayo Vallecano were stymieing Andoni Iraola interest, while Arne Slot was publicly ruling himself out of the running.
There were understood to be three other, at that time, unreported names having conversations with Victor Orta and Angus Kinnear about the role. How often have you seen incoming head coaches watching the last game before they start from the directors’ box?
All eyes will be on the posh seats for potential names.
Time to end a 20-year wait?
Yes, the Whites spent 16 years outside the same division as Manchester United, which warps the statistics, but a long wait is a long wait. The last time Leeds beat their hated rivals at home was in September 2002, a 1-0 win.
The Red Devils have visited another five times in all competitions since then and avoided defeat every time.
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