OPINION
Leeds defender Liam Cooper is expected to start against Preston this weekend in defence and it is a huge opportunity for him to cement his starting XI position for the foreseeable future.
The 25-year-old is one of three senior centre-back vying for a place in the starting line-up, with versatile pair Conor Shaughnessy and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson providing extra cover.
Cooper and Matthew Pennington began the season at the heart of defence in the 3-2 win over Bolton, but the latter was forced off injured and it’s unclear when he will be available again.
Meanwhile, defender Pontus Jansson has served his three-game suspension and is set to be back in the team at the weekend when Leeds host Preston in the Championship.
The Preston clash is a huge opportunity for Cooper to continue the form he showed against Bolton and prove he warrants a permanent spot in Thomas Christiansen’s side.
Sweden international Jansson is arguably the first name on the team sheet for Leeds and the real debate is who starts alongside him.
Both Cooper and Pennington put their cases forward well against Bolton, but there should only be room for one going forward in the league team.
Cooper has divided fans during his time at Elland Road since he arrived in 2014, but the stand-in captain showed his defensive attributes last week and silenced many doubters.
The Scotsman was fully dedicated to his tackles and showed his leadership qualities by organising the backline superbly.
He was not a permanent fixture in the side last year under Garry Monk, but has rediscovered his top form so far under Christiansen and Preston will be a major chance for him.
Meanwhile, Pennington could be forced to miss the Preston clash through injury, but will be firmly in the plans of the manager.
The 22-year-old joined the Whites on a season-long loan from Everton this summer and showed his huge potential with a spirited performance on his debut.
Pennington will certainly be hoping to land the position alongside Jansson, but Cooper can go a long way to securing that spot if he takes the most of his opportunity this weekend.