Athletic journalist Phil Hay thinks that Marcelo Bielsa is going to make two changes to his starting XI on Saturday.
One change has been forced on him, with Pablo Hernandez out injured. Bielsa confirmed that Helder Costa will replace him on the right-wing.
Talking in a fan Q&A on the Athletic website on Thursday, Hay thinks that Bielsa will bring Adam Forshaw back in, which will likely mean Jamie Shackleton dropping to the bench.
One fan said, “Do you think Forshaw will come straight back in? I’d like to keep Shack in and have Forshaw on the bench.”
Hay replied saying, “I suspect he will. Bielsa is a big, big fan of Forshaw. They could have done with him in the last half-hour against Derby, for a little more control in midfield.”
Forshaw instant return makes sense
Bielsa doesn’t like making changes to his side but Forshaw is almost in the same bracket as Kalvin Phillips for his Leed side this season.
He has played the first six games of the season and delivered consistent performances, with a 6.83 average on WhoScored.
The Leeds fans love Jamie Shackleton and he offers something different. He’s a fizzing, energetic player, who is always looking to get forward.
However, Forshaw brings more grit to the midfield, and with Jack Harrison and Helder Costa marauding on the wings, the Leeds side would be more balanced with him in.
Forshaw has outscored Shackleton across all the key passing metrics this season, as per WhoScored, and he hasn’t been out for long enough for Bielsa to need to bring him back in via the Under-23s – his usual route for longer-term injuries.
