Rodrigo has taken to Instagram to issue a battle cry to Leeds fans ahead of Thursday night’s crucial outing against Aston Villa. Leeds have lost their last five Premier League games and desperately need to pick up points.
In what will be Jesse Marsch’s first game as Leeds manager at Elland Road, the American welcomes an Aston Villa side that have their tails up. Villa beat Brighton 2-0 away from home, before smashing Southampton 4-0.
Those wins come after 1-0 losses to Newcastle and Watford – but Villa are sitting in a steady 11th and will be looking at Leeds as a real chance to make it three wins from three. There is good news for Leeds, on the injury front.
While Tyler Roberts is out for the rest of the season, Marsch confirmed Bamford will feature on Thursday night – albeit from the bench. Diego Llorente is back too, but Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper will have to wait.
Rodrigo was a crucial part of the side that suffered an unlucky defeat to Leicester last time out – despite being somewhat in and out under Marcelo Bielsa. He posted a rallying message to Leeds fans – saying “we need you”.
Rodrigo message to Leeds fans: Where game will be won or lost
It goes without saying that being able to keep Philippe Coutinho quiet will massively help Leeds win on Thursday evening. He tore Leeds to shreds at Villa Park. Coping with Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins is also important.
Marsch labelled himself confident that Villa would play with a diamond – Coutinho behind Ings and Watkins – and that means the defence will have plenty to do. Leeds and £58k-a-week (Spotrac) Rodrigo will test the defence.
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