Clear weeks either side of Leeds United’s trip to Accrington Stanley could temper Jesse Marsch’s temptation to tinker with his Premier League line-up on Saturday. The head coach is likely to want to keep his best players sharp as they head into the Nottingham Forest match and a fortnight off from matches is only going to soften them.
The other major consideration Marsch will have is how best to use his array of attacking options, all champing at the bit for action. Patrick Bamford and Luis Sinisterra are probably ready for an hour from the start after their phased returns.
Meanwhile, Georginio Rutter has already been lined up by Marsch for the Crown Ground visit. Assuming the head coach leans towards a 4-2-3-1 with the aim of dominating League One opposition, Marsch could look to make Bamford a direct swap for Rodrigo, who he has already teed up for a rest.
READ MORE: Every word Jesse Marsch said on Drameh, Rutter, Harrison and Leeds United's FA Cup target
Wilfried Gnonto is another player in fine form, but after playing 584 of the 630 available minutes since Christmas, he may be one Marsch mentioned in need of a rest. Also, if Rutter and Sinisterra are to play there has to be some room created on the flanks.
There is no sense in taking a risk on Liam Cooper or Tyler Adams if they are carrying niggles. It’s hard to see why Marsch would do that with so many important matches to come in February.
With Adam Forshaw still out, Sam Greenwood seems one of the few remaining options to play alongside Marc Roca in the double pivot. While Marsch has shown Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk are arguably his best full-backs, the need to keep Rasmus Kristensen and Junior Firpo sharp may outweigh the need to keep his first choices ticking over.
Predicted line-up: Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Wober, Firpo; Greenwood, Roca; Rutter, Harrison, Sinisterra; Bamford.
READ NEXT:
Mixed emotions for Leeds United supporters as Marcelo Bielsa 'flies in' for Everton talks
Leeds United's Jesse Marsch addresses Jack Harrison speculation amid Leicester City links
Jesse Marsch outlines Leeds United challenge for Cody Drameh as he confirms Luton Town loan
Georginio Rutter debut considered amid Tyler Adams doubt - pick your Leeds United XI for Accrington
Jesse Marsch reveals fresh Leeds United injury doubt for Accrington Stanley FA Cup trip
