Leeds fans are demanding that Marcelo Bielsa gives Joe Gelhardt just his second ever Premier League start on Saturday afternoon against Arsenal.
Bielsa finds himself under pressure as a run of only one win in their last seven matches has left Leeds 16th in the table.
Leeds struggling
Following a humiliating 7-0 mauling at the hands of Man City in midweek, Bielsa was even asked if he thought he might be sacked.
The Argentine has vowed to fight until the end, but the fixtures aren’t getting any easier.
The Whites host Arsenal on Saturday and then travel to Anfield on Boxing Day to face a rampant Liverpool side.
What’s more, there’s something of an injury crisis at Elland Road.
Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford, Pascal Struijk and Rodrigo all missed the hammering at City and Bielsa confirmed on Thursday that both Dan James and Jamie Shackleton will miss the clash with the Gunners.
Junior Firpo is also missing due to suspension.
Fans want Gelhardt to start vs Arsenal
There are shortages in a number of areas as a result, but at the top end of the pitch, many fans see Gelhardt as the solution.
The 18-year-old striker, who scored at Chelsea last weekend and was described as a “human wrecking ball” by Jamie Redknapp after his first-ever Premier League start against Spurs last month, is raring to go.
The Wigan Athletic Academy graduate has been in excellent form for Leeds’ U23s, bagging seven goals in nine appearances, and he has featured seven times for the first team this season.
Given their current defensive issues, it’s likely that the hosts will have to score more than once to defeat Arsenal, so it’s crucial that they have a natural finisher in the starting XI who has the ability to tuck away any chances that are created.
Plenty of supporters think Gelhardt is that player and are demanding that Bielsa hands the teenager a start.
Here’s a selection of comments from fans:
In other news, ‘Outrageous’ – Jermaine Jenas blown away by what Liverpool player did in first half vs Newcastle.
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