Leeds travel to Cardiff City this Sunday (2pm) for a third-round FA Cup clash with the Bluebirds.
Whites fans will be eager to see what way Jesse Marsch sets up his team, as the Leeds head-coach embraces the history of the FA Cup and gears up for his first time managing in the competition.
We take a look at who could potentially start for Marsch and Leeds ahead of tomorrow’s cup tie.
Goalkeeper – Joel Robles
Number one goalkeeper Illan Meslier is expected to be rested for the tie, with Joel Robles said to be favoured as backup to Meslier. Robles, 32, is no stranger to the FA Cup, famously winning the competition with Wigan Athletic in 2013.
Right Back – Rasmus Kristensen
Long-time right back Luke Ayling has recently returned from injury and has started the last two Premier League games for Leeds. If Ayling is to hold his starting place in the league side over the coming weeks, you would expect to see Marsch give some minutes to Danish international Rasmus Kristensen this weekend.
Centre Back – Diego Llorente
The Spanish centre back has struggled for game time this season following a run of poor form. Having just signed a new contract at the club, it appears as though Diego Llorente is still part of the plans at Elland Road. We’d expect to see him lineup at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday.
Centre Back – Robin Koch
Its tricky to call who would partner Llorente at centre back in the game. Captain Liam Cooper could be rested given his injury record. Its possible that Pascal Struijk is handed a start at his preferred centre back position, especially if the plan is to move Struijk back into the centre of defence with the signing of Max Wober. However, Marsch may not want to upset the balance of his starting side too much, so Robin Koch could start for the Whites.
Left Back – Max Wober
An FA Cup game could be the ideal opportunity to give new recruit Max Wober his first appearance in a Leeds United shirt. Wober, 24, signed from Salzburg last week for a reported fee of €12 million (rising to €20m). Leeds fans will be eager to see what the Austrian international can do, and he could very well go right into the starting lineup this weekend.
If Wober isn’t quite ready to slot into Jesse Marsch’s side, Junior Firpo could be given a run at left back, having returned to the bench in recent weeks following an injury lay-off.
Centre Midfield – Darko Gyabi
18 year old central midfielder Darko Gyabi signed for Leeds in the summer having risen through the ranks of the Manchester City academy. He has looked like an all-round very good player every time Leeds fans have caught a glimpse of him play, and fans will be hoping to get a more in-depth look at the teenager in the clash with Cardiff.
Centre Midfield – Tyler Adams
With Premier League games coming in fast, you would imagine Jesse Marsch would want to give both Tyler Adams and Marc Roca a break from the starting XI in the game against Championship opposition Cardiff. In an ideal world, Adam Forshaw, who looked sharp when called upon in the recent games, would be available for Leeds. Unfortunately, the latest news indicates he may not be fit for the game, and with the stamina Adams looks to posses, we can see him getting the nod for the game.
Right Wing – Crysencio Summerville
Crysencio Summerville has been a breath of fresh air in the Leeds side this season. The 21 year old Dutchman has registered four goals and one assist in his last five appearances for Leeds, and having just returned from an injury picked up during the World Cup break, Jesse Marsch will be eager for the attacker to get some minutes under his belt ahead of the upcoming Premier League games.
Attacking Midfield – Sam Greenwood
Sam Greenwood has started to get some game time in the Premier League, to the delight of many Leeds fans. Whites fans have been waiting to see the highly-rated youngster in and around the first team for some time now, and he hasn’t looked out of place since being given his opportunity.
With a goal and two assists to his name in the Premier League this season, Marsch should give the 20 year old a chance to further display what he can do against Cardiff this weekend.
Left Wing – Jack Harrison
Jack Harrison has had an up-and-down season to date. After a really bright start, his form did dip before he picked up an injury. However, the winger came off the bench against West Ham last Wednesday for his first game back, and he looked like his best self, registering an assist for Rodrigo’s equaliser. Similarly to Summerville, with Harrison only back from injury, Marsch may want him to get some game time.
Striker – Joe Gelhardt
Joe Gelhardt is another player Leeds fans crave to see get more minutes, but with Rodrigo’s excellent form and some less-than-comfortable endings to league games, the 20 year old’s on-field time has been hindered. There is huge confidence that Gelhardt will have what it takes to lead the Leeds line in the future, and we’ll be hoping that confidence is vindicated this weekend with a start and hopefully a goal or two for the striker.