Leeds United have had a horrible week, falling firmly back into the relegation dog fight after consecutive high profile defeats.
First they were beaten at home by Manchester United 4-2, despite a good start to the second half that gave the Whites some hope in the grudge match.
Then things went from bad to worse however as Marcelo Bielsa’s side were humbled at Anfield, hitting Leeds for six with no response.
Leeds host Spurs in the early kick-off today in a match that is tough to call given the recent results of both teams.
Bielsa in or Bielsa out?
In
Out
Marcelo Bielsa boosted?
After yet another injury saw Bielsa have to play a makeshift backline against Liverpool, the potential return of Diego Llorente is massive for the Argentine manager who is desperate for a result.
He used Luke Ayling at centre back at Anfield, with the full-back having to take on an unfamiliar role to usual such is the extent of Leeds’ depleted squad at the moment.
If the injury to Llorente is as minor as reported and he is available according to Graham Smyth this afternoon then Bielsa can restore Ayling to his familiar right back role, allowing Stuart Dallas to move back into the middle of the park.
If Leeds are going to follow in Burnley’s footsteps and cause an upset against Antonio Conte’s Tottenham, having players in their natural position will be huge for that.
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Luke Ayling’s advantage?
One man certainly set to benefit from Llorente’s return is Ayling. Playing in an unnatural position against one of the best teams about meant it was always going to be a tough evening for him.
While maybe not disastrous on his own, he still played in the heart of the defence which saw six goals blitzed past them, including a marauding run from the adventurous Joel Matip to add insult to injury.
Ayling has to take some blame though, he conceded one of the penalties via a clumsy challenge on Sadio Mane. He tripped the Senegalese man and was spared a red card despite not making a genuine attempt for the ball. Given it was accidental the booking was the correct call with the double jeopardy rule.
Allowing Ayling to play today in a more natural position will be a huge boost today (Leeds fans will be hoping) and hopefully contributing to help Leeds finding some form again. He’s been dubbed England’s ‘best all-round right back’ too to highlight his importance to Leeds.
Having a more senior duo at the back could be a game-changer for Leeds in trying to protect Illan Meslier in goal.
In other news, Pascal Stuijk slammed