Leeds United and Fulham go head-to-head this week in a vital league clash.
The footballing enigma that is Pablo Hernandez was in full view on Friday evening, as the Leeds United play-maker hardly had a meaningful kick before a moment of magic set up a late goal that sealed a 3-1 victory.
The problem is, for all his ability Hernandez is not cut out for tough away days in the Championship where he is not granted the time and space to dictate the game and, while some Leeds fans will disagree, he should be dropped for the upcoming clash with Fulham.
Given the Cottagers’ resurgence and their position just outside the play-off places, Tuesday’s match is one of the biggest and most important of Leeds’ season, meaning manager Garry Monk needs to get his team selection spot on.
While Hernandez has it in him to pluck a moment of magic out of nothing, his overall performance against Birmingham means he should be dropped in favour of Kemar Roofe.
The summer signing has had to make do with a bit-part role in recent weeks but he should operate as a secondary striker behind Chris Wood, causing problems for Fulham’s defence with his movement and ability to hit on the counter-attack.
If the game is close with time running out, bringing Hernandez off the bench to prise open a tiring back-line could then be Monk’s best bet. But Roofe deserves to start in a match that is simply not made for his Leeds teammate.
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