Leeds United have hinted Ezgjan Alioski has retained his starting place for Friday’s Championship showdown against Sheffield Wednesday.
The official Leeds Twitter account revealed this morning (Wednesday) that the under-fire Macedonia international will sit down to face the media later this afternoon.
The update is a clear hint that Alioski, 26, will start at Hillsborough on Friday following a few performances that have drawn criticism from supporters.
? | Live on the #LUFC app from 1:30, Marcelo and Gjanni sit down with the media ahead of Friday's derby against @swfc. Presented by @PresidentPlc pic.twitter.com/eGzjGbe1vE
— Leeds United (@LUFC) September 26, 2018
OPINION
There is surely no chance Alioski will face the media this afternoon and then be unceremoniously axed two days later. The attacking midfielder will join Marcelo Bielsa at the club’s Thorp Arch headquarters to face his inquisitors, who will be keen for insight into team’s impressive start to the season. Leeds only put forward players who are then selected in the game being previewed. Alioski has been an ever-present for the Championship leaders, and was especially impressive before the international break, scoring two fabulous goals early in the campaign. Supporters have been critical of his recent displays, identifying a lack of care in distribution and a capacity for getting caught offside that is driving some of them up the wall. But Alioski’s work-rate, creativity and goal potential appear to have won Bielsa over. The manager is known for his left-field moves, but it would be quick a turn-up if the player presented to the media was then binned 48 hours later.