Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United will face Wigan Athletic in the Championship on Sunday.
Forshaw started for Leeds in their Championship match against Nottingham Forest, with attacking midfielder Saiz coming on as a substitute in the 65th minute.
The 27-year-old midfielder – who joined the Whites from Middlesbrough in January 2018 for a transfer fee reported by BBC Sport to be worth £4.5 million – played well for the West Yorkshire outfit, and former Leeds striker Whelan has suggested that head coach Marcelo Bielsa should keep him in the starting lineup ahead of Saiz for the Championship game against Wigan away from home at the DW Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Whelan told BBC Radio Leeds: “To me, Forshaw was fantastic. I thought he was excellent the other night against Nottingham Forest.
“Great performance, solid. He gives you so much more in that midfield. So much energy, so much quality.
“He gives you that edge about him as well, the tackling, the physical side, which Saiz cannot give you.”
Adam Forshaw or Samuel Saiz?
Saiz is one of the best attacking midfielders in the Championship, but the 27-year-old Spaniard – who can also play as a forward – has not been in great form in recent matches.
Forshaw did well against Forest at Elland Road, and it would not be fair to drop him against Wigan.
Moreover, having a player of Saiz’s quality and creativity on the substitutes’ bench is also a good option to have.
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