OPINION
Leeds United have got it all to do if they want to secure a place in the Premier League next season and it looked as though they would have to do it with Kiko Casilla missing for one game after his red card against Sheffield United.
The January arrival has been Marcelo Bielsa’s number one choice between the sticks after replacing Bailey Peacock-Farrell but is facing a ban for his sending off in the 1-0 defeat to the Blades – a result which saw Chris Wilder and his side leapfrog the Elland Road outfit into the automatic promotion spots.
It seemed as clear cut a sending off as you would see, the Spanish shot stopper rushing out of his box only to bring Billy Sharp down as one of, if not the, last men before the striker bore down on an empty goal.
The veteran’s absence would leave it up to 6’4″ colossus (source: Transfermarkt) Peacock-Farrell to step into the place which he was forced to vacate for Casilla against Millwall – but that might not be the case.
The Yorkshire Evening Post crucially report that Leeds United are considering appealing the sending off in order to have the Spaniard back for the clash against the Lions – a decision which must surely have young Peacock-Farrell tearing his hair out.
What does it say about Bielsa’s faith in his second choice shot stopper that he is willing to appeal a pretty blatant red card to Casilla which would see him miss just one game?
There is little to no chance the appeal will be successful and Peacock-Farrell will almost certainly be lining up against Millwall, but in the knowledge that he is not the man his manager wants between the sticks.
How frustrating it must be for the youngster for Bielsa not to be willing to hand him a chance naturally and instead must have his arm forced by the officials.