Four games under Jesse Marsch at Leeds United have provided very few clues on how he likes to rotate his side, how he manages poor form or how he likes to change his approach for each opponent. Injuries have persisted, punching holes in Marsch’s line-ups and options at every turn, denying any kind of rhythm to settle into his selections.
A promising loss at Leicester City was followed by a dire evening with Aston Villa before two chaotic, imperfect wins ahead of the international break. United may have beaten Wolverhampton Wanderers a fortnight ago and a manager is normally loath to change a winning side, but that night’s squad was shot to bits by substitutions and began with one of the worst 45-minute spells of the season.
In short, it’s still proving tough to predict what Marsch is likely to do on Saturday at Elland Road. The returns to fitness of instrumental duo Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips only muddy the waters yet further.
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Illan Meslier was not mentioned by Marsch in his Thursday injury update, so we assume the Frenchman will be fit to start between the sticks at least. Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas look safe in the full-back roles too.
Raphinha and Rodrigo look like the only other certainties to start in the XI. The former should continue wide right in a 4-2-3-1, while Rodrigo could either be the attacking central midfielder or the side’s striker.
Based only on Marsch’s previous comments around discipline with minutes for returning players, Cooper and Phillips may start this one on the bench. Yes, the American said they were almost ready for 90 minutes and trained well, but they still have hurdles to clear.
Patrick Bamford’s recent experience may just keep their powder dry until at least the second half. The head coach also said only one of them would start, if at all, because they would be substitutions waiting to happen.
Diego Llorente and Robin Koch’s availability means Marsch has his full complement of centre-backs to work with. The Spaniard’s ongoing back issue combined with his role in a poor start at Molineux may open the door for the German, who played his part in the Wolves fightback.
Pascal Struijk should continue as a natural left-footer, but has to be on borrowed time with the captain closing in. Phillips on the bench would mean Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich continue as the double-pivot, though their lack of control in the first half a fortnight ago must tempt Marsch to recall the England man.
The head-scratching continues in the front four. Joe Gelhardt was talked up by Marsch and underlined as a starter at Wolves had he not developed that back spasm, while Daniel James continues to shine more in the wide areas.
Typically for this season, it may come down to James vs Jack Harrison, who impressed in the latter stages two weeks ago, once more. The former got the nod in the Norwich City match and should still be ahead in the pecking order.
Predicted line-up: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Struijk, Dallas; Forshaw, Klich; Raphinha, Rodrigo, James; Gelhardt.
