OPINION
Leeds have got their promotion challenge right back on track after a stunning 4-0 win against West Brom on Friday, but there’s no rest at the top, and Marcelo Bielsa’s men have got to do it all again on Saturday against play-off hopefuls Bristol City.
Convention would say that, with no further injuries, Bielsa should name the dame line-up, but we think one key change is needed.
6ft right-back Luke Ayling has been under-performing for the last few months and he didn’t reverse the trend on Friday night. We’re not questioning the player’s commitment to the cause or effort – and we know how much Bielsa likes him – but he needs a rest.
Gaetano Berardi is the man who should come in. The fan favourite has the battling qualities and mettle needed for a promotion battle and he should come in on the right with Ayling dropping to the bench.
Last week we said that Barry Douglas should come in on the left, with Ezgjan Alioski moving into attack and Jack Harrison dropping to the bench. We’re not advocating this again. Alioski was brilliant and tireless on the left (and indeed all over the pitch) against West Brom. Jack Harrison was full of menace and he’s finally starting to live up to the hype.
We also don’t want Tyler Roberts dropped for Izzy Brown. Roberts played like a transformed man against West Brom and we’re hoping for more of the same on Saturday.
It’s just the one change for us. Do we think Bielsa will make it? No, but we think he should.
Here is the starting XI that will destroy Bristol City on Saturday:
