Leeds United face Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road on Saturday in a vital game at the sharp end of the Championship table.
Liverpool’s Divock Origi in action with Leeds’ Charlie Taylor
Leeds appear set to be handed a considerable boost ahead of their vital Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday this Saturday with the news that Charlie Taylor is set to return to training following a couple of months on the sidelines due to injury (via Yorkshire Evening Post).
With the Whites looking somewhat off the boil recently, it may be wise for Garry Monk to consider a slight tactical reshuffle ahead of what promises to be an extremely tough game at Elland Road.
The Owls are only below Leeds in the table on goal difference, and are currently enjoying a much more impressive spell of form, having won their last four.
One of the big decisions facing Monk ahead of the weekend appears to be whether he picks either Taylor or Gaetano Berardi at left-back if the former is fit for the contest. But could he perhaps pick both to help keep Carlos Carvalhal’s men at bay?
Berardi has done excellently since stepping in for the 23-year-old, and it would arguably be harsh for him to be left out of the side against the Owls.
Therefore, it may perhaps be worth Monk putting Taylor in a more advanced position on the wing in front of the Swiss. While he will not be too familiar with the role, it would surely not be a position that he would be uncomfortable playing in.
Gaetano Berardi has been really impressive lately
With the pair patrolling the left flank, it would surely be incredibly tough for Wednesday to create too many chances down that side of the pitch, and while some supporters may be concerned about such a selection, it would arguably not be a negative tactic by any means.
Part of the reason why Taylor has been so effective since establishing himself in the Leeds team has been the marauding runs that he frequently makes into the final third before putting dangerous crosses into the box, and selecting him slightly further forward could give him greater licence to get down the line safe in the knowledge that Berardi is ready to support him.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
If there was a left winger in Leeds’ squad currently making it impossible for Monk to leave them out, then, of course, Taylor should only be in contention to play in his favoured position, but the fact is that none of the squad’s wingers – perhaps apart from Stuart Dallas recently – have really staked their claim.
And given how valuable their partnership could be both going forward and in keeping Wednesday quiet, selecting Berardi in defence with Taylor in front of him could be a gamble that really boosts Leeds’ chances of striking a major blow in the race for the top six.
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