Should Jamie Shackleton replace Adam Forshaw for Leeds’ FA Cup tie?

Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds United will be looking to put their Championship defeats behind them and book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Marcelo Bielsa appears to be in a tricky position heading into Leeds’ FA Cup third round tie with Queens Park Rangers this weekend.

With the Whites top of the Championship and not boasting the largest squad, a prolonged cup run appears, on paper, to be something that the club could do without.

But with the ghosts of Sutton United and Newport County set to haunt Garry Monk and Thomas Christiansen respectively for a while longer yet, some Leeds fans will be hoping that a strong hand is played at Loftus Road – especially after back-to-back defeats in the league.

Nevertheless, playing a handful of young players could be a wise move with promotion rivals Derby County waiting in the wings five days later.

And perhaps one change that Bielsa must consider is to rest Adam Forshaw against the Hoops and hand Jamie Shackleton a chance in the middle of the park.

Forshaw faced a lot of criticism following his mistake against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday. But with Kalvin Phillips suspended for three games, it is imperative that the 27-year-old is raring to go for the two league fixtures that follow after this weekend.

Shackleton has been one of Bielsa’s biggest revelations this season. His potential has always been spoken about with plenty of excitement at Thorp Arch, but it is Bielsa who has given him a chance in the first-team, and he has done superbly.

The 19-year-old has made 12 Championship appearances. And while he has played in midfield, he has predominantly been used at right-back – a role that few would have envisaged the teenager being deployed in before the season began.

It does appear that Bielsa deems Shackleton to be more of a wide player than one who will cement himself in the middle of the park. But perhaps Sunday is the perfect time to hand him that chance in a central position.

The youngster possesses the combative streak and passing ability to step into one of the most important roles in Bielsa’s system and thrive on what promises to be a tough afternoon for Leeds.

And given how well Shackleton has responded to every task Bielsa has put in front of him this term, it should surprise no-one if he steals the show if given a chance in midfield this weekend.