Leeds United will be hoping that they can get their promotion push back on track in midweek when they face Bristol City.
Leeds United face Bristol City on Tuesday night looking to bounce back following back-to-back defeats, but which player, if any, deserves to be dropped for the clash against the Robins?
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The Whites have been excellent for the majority of the season but are currently going through a spell of form that has seen them leave the door open for the chasing pack outside the top six to put some pressure on.
While Championship defeats to Barnsley and Huddersfield would not have given Garry Monk much reason to panic, the weekend’s loss to Cardiff City would have been a lot more alarming, given that the Bluebirds were languishing in the bottom half yet still came away from Elland Road with the three points.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Monk may want to make some changes to his line-up in an attempt to inject some positivity into his side after a difficult few weeks. So who should miss out?
Of the back five, Luke Ayling perhaps had the poorest game at the weekend, but neither Liam Cooper or Kyle Bartley covered themselves in glory either. The fact that Monk has suggested that Pontus Jansson will be a doubt for Tuesday’s game (via BBC Radio Leeds) suggests his hand may be forced regarding his centre-back partnership.
Meanwhile, Rob Green and Gaetano Berardi both emerged from the defeat with some credit, and it is highly unlikely that either will miss out.
One change that will have to be made is in holding midfield following Liam Bridcutt’s red card against Neil Warnock’s men. Ronaldo Vieira has not exactly ran the show since his masterclass against Derby, but his talent and potential, as well as Bridcutt’s suspension will surely see him keep his place.
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Another player who will surely start is Chris Wood. The striker is well out in front in the club’s scoring charts, and leaving him out would be a bizarre call given his form this season, unless he has picked up an injury.
It may be tougher for Monk to pick the three men that will play behind the New Zealander. Pablo Hernandez was deemed by many to be Leeds’ best player against Cardiff, but Alfonso Pedraza and Stuart Dallas never really got going.
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And with plenty of options in that area of the field, it would be understandable if some fans decided that they wanted to see Monk make changes there.
But which player do you think should be in the greatest danger of missing out?
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