Garry Monk and Thomas Christiansen both decided they didn’t need to rotate the squad over the festive period in the last two years and both times it’s been the beginning of the end. Don’t believe me? Ask some of the players, even Luke Ayling was vocal in saying they all played too many minutes in such a short space of time.
Leeds face Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Hull City and Nottingham Forest in a very short space of time, and there isn’t much of a gap after that either. The squad is already small but there are a few options Bielsa may look at for change in the side. Kalvin Phillips, Mateusz Klich and Gjanni Alioski have started every league game this season and others have played the majority. A couple of young players could make appearances and even a couple returning from injury could help take the strain off some of the more used members of the squad.
Aapo Halme – The young centre-back signed from Helsinki has been impressive when called upon and that includes big games. He was thrown into the game at Sheffield United and was a wall alongside Pontus Jansson.
Jack Clarke – An obvious choice really and somebody who may well start without the thought of rotation from Bielsa. Has been pushing for a start for some time now and the departure of Saiz may well leave him the gap needed.
Jack Harrison – We haven’t seen much of Harrison recently and we certainly haven’t seen the best of him in a Leeds United shirt. A player who Pep Guardiola rates very highly, he needs to show what he can do, chances will surely come over this period.
Tyler Roberts – It’s been a tough learning curve for Roberts this season. Couldn’t get a kick before being thrown into the mix with injuries to Bamford and Roofe. Scored three very important goals which effectively secured six points and hasn’t really been seen since Roofe returned.
Patrick Bamford – We will definitely see Bamford over the coming weeks, his return on Saturday was nothing short of spectacular, arriving off the bench to score with his first touch. A key player in the second half of the season.
Liam Cooper – The skipper has returned to training this week and will certainly be a boost to the squad. Kalvin Phillips can be moved back into midfield despite his great form at the back, allowing more options in that area.
