Leeds United manager Phil Hay has suggested three probable changes to the team that will face Queens Park Rangers at Elland Road on Wednesday, October 4.
The Athletic journalist believes Joe Rodon is the most likely replacement for Daniel Farke, with Jaidon Anthony another possibility.
Archie Gray was the third name mentioned, albeit it was difficult to blame either Ethan Ampadu or Glen Kamara for the loss to Southampton.
Hay mentioned the adjustments that Farke could make later in the week on the Square Ball Podcast (Monday, October 2).
“What changes with the team?” he asked. “The really interesting aspect of QPR and the questions for Farke tomorrow will be that.”
“I found it difficult to place a lot of the blame on Kamara and Ampadu on Saturday because I didn’t feel like Southampton’s pressing and Leeds’ ball distribution were giving them a lot of opportunities to do a lot with it,” the author said.You fully anticipate Ampadu to be on the team, so I think the issue is: Will Archie Gray return? Does Farke slightly muck it up there?
“Aside from that, is this a good night for Jaidon Anthony to make his debut?” That could be justified, but I expect all eyes will be on Rodon, will he return to the center of defense? “I believe the answer is unequivocally yes.”
Simple.
Farke should consider Rodon’s return to the starting lineup a no-brainer.
At St Mary’s, Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk battled together, with the Whites’ lack of a right-footed option also hurting them as they tried to establish momentum with some speed.
In the 3-1 loss, we lost count of how many times the duo was turned by a simple through ball, with Rodon providing far more security to the back line.
Gray’s arrival is undeniable, but Kamara must be allowed time to establish himself in that midfield position after showing signs of a genuinely promising progressive style when in control.
Anthony’s prospective full debut may already be pushed back due to Crysencio Summerville’s extended absence due to what appeared to be a shoulder injury, though he did recover and continue playing after that.
Three points are a requirement to return to winning ways as quickly as possible, therefore it will be intriguing to watch how the starting XI looks on Wednesday evening.
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