Should Thomas Christiansen hand Felix Wiedwald a start in Leeds’ EFL Cup tie with Leicester?

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Leeds United travel to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.

When Thomas Christiansen decided to drop Felix Wiedwald and pick Andy Lonergan for Leeds’ Championship clash with Reading earlier this month, there is no question that the fans were pleased, and somewhat relieved, to see the German left out of the side.

Despite keeping six consecutive clean sheets during the early stages of his Elland Road spell following his summer move, Wiedwald has endured a difficult time since arriving, and his recent form was extremely questionable.

Since then, Lonergan has done well and made the most of his chance, conceding just once in his first two league appearances since returning to his former club.

The number one spot should certainly be in no doubt right now, but perhaps Christiansen should consider using Wiedwald in the EFL Cup tie with Leicester on Tuesday night.

The 27-year-old is certainly not going to be able to restore the confidence he lost during the last few weeks if he is not able to play – but throwing him in for a Championship game is arguably too great a risk right now.

Though an EFL Cup tie with a Premier League side also presents its own risks, Leeds’ season is not going to be judged by how well they continue to do in the cup competitions, so it is arguably a considerably smaller gamble for Wiedwald to make his return at the King Power Stadium than it would be in a league game.

Christiansen may need to bring Wiedwald back into the fold at some stage for whatever reason, and the likelihood of him thriving would surely be enhanced if his most recent appearance was not the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday where he looked completely bereft of confidence.

The EFL Cup tie with Burnley saw Lonergan become something of a hero as he saved the only missed penalty of the shootout that helped set up the clash with the Foxes. And perhaps Christiansen should consider giving Wiedwald the opportunity in the same competition to prove that he can be much better than the form he has shown in his most recent appearances.