Journalist Joe Donnohue has suggested Liam Cooper could be named on the bench for a second game in a row for Leeds United’s Premier League clash at Elland Road on Saturday.
The Whites go into the match against Southampton having found some good form.
They have won their past two games against Norwich City and Wolves, and have now moved seven points clear of the relegation zone. Cooper’s hamstring injury forced him to miss the former of those two fixtures, while he was named on the bench by Jesse Marsch for the latter.
Should Cooper start against Southampton?
Yes
No
Donnohue stated on Twitter that the 30-year-old was never on the bench on two consecutive occasions under former boss Marcelo Bielsa, but suggested that could happen this weekend.
He wrote: “Liam Cooper among five centre-backs available for selection this weekend. He was never named on the bench in consecutive league games under Bielsa but that’s a real possibility now. Change a winning team to reinstate the captain – or go against the grain?”
TIF Thoughts on Cooper’s potential benching…
The latest two victories were vital to Leeds’ hopes of staying in the Premier League. The dramatic fashion in which they were secured – a last-minute winner was needed in each match – will only have provided an additional boost to the first-team squad’s morale.
In Southampton, the Whites face a team bang out of form. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men have lost their last four matches in all competitions, a run that should offer hope to Marsch that a third consecutive win is possible. Cooper may be club captain, but Leeds have won just three of the 15 games in which he has featured, one less than in the 14 he has not participated in.
The Scotland international’s return to fitness will no doubt be welcomed – it gives Marsch an extra option as we approach the end of the campaign.
His presence around the dressing room will also be needed, but the manager should not change a winning team. Only once before this campaign have Leeds won successive league games, and they have never prevailed three times on the trot. Cooper will no doubt have a part to play before the end of May, but Marsch must resist the temptation to throw him into the fold here.