OPINION
While Leeds United have been flying high in the Championship this season there are still some areas of the squad which need ironing out, and with January around the corner Marcelo Bielsa will have the chance to strengthen his side as he sees fit.
The Argentine is known for wanting a small squad to work with so fans at Elland Road should not be expecting a flurry of transfers, but with injuries having shown the limitations of the side, it is clear that another recruit or two would not go amiss.
One area where Leeds currently have very little depth is the attacking midfield role, Samu Saiz being the only currently fit figure to naturally take on the role – Adam Forshaw failing to impress when shoehorned in ahead of the Spaniard.
Lewis Baker is still yet to make his first appearance after signing from Chelsea on loan – his long-term injury recover still taking place – and with Saiz clearly prone to peaks and troughs when it comes to form, they need someone who can fill that void and perform to the highest level.
Leeds take on Wigan Athletic this weekend, and while Bielsa’s focus will primarily be on securing victory, he must also use it as an opportunity to watch the Latics’ star man Nick Powell in person with a view to a January raid.
The 24-year-old has been brilliant for his club this season, scoring four goals and chipping in with five assists in the Championship, and as a proven second tier performer, he could fill the gap that currently exists at Elland Road.
Many will remember Powell for his ill-fated move to Manchester United, but at just 24 he has plenty of time to rid himself of that reputation and return to the Premier League as a top talent – and while he is not going to do that at Wigan, he certainly could at Leeds.
A dangerous threat on goal both in terms of scoring and setting up his teammates, Leeds will need to watch out for him on Sunday – but Bielsa should be watching him to prove he has what it takes to make the move to Elland Road.