Exclusive: Bielsa will make ‘massive’ changes for Leeds FA Cup clash v Crawley – pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United
Paul Robinson has said that Marcelo Bielsa will change his team “massively” in the FA Cup game against Crawley next weekend.
Leeds fans will want a cup run under Bielsa but the manager will know that the Premier League is the priority.
Playing Crawley gives him then opportunity to field some of his younger players and give his established stars the week off.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “I think the manager will change it massively, he’ll use the FA Cup to give the younger players an opportunity.
“A run would be good but you’ve got to be realistic – the aim for Leeds is staying in the Premier League. That’s the only thing that matters.
“A run in the FA Cup would probably hamper them in the league.
“He’s not going to risk his best starting XI in a cup competition they’re not realistically going to win.
“A long run in the FA Cup and the ensuing fixture congestion – even without Covid complications – could actually hurt Leeds in the long run.”
We’re excited about the FA Cup game as we think it’s going to give us a chance to see players like Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood in action for the first-team.
Both attackers have been brilliant for the Under-23s this season and have helped their side to the top of Premier League 2 Division 2.
What’s more the Under-23s will get to strut their stuff on the BBC, with the terrestrial cameras heading to Crawley for live coverage of the game.
The game kicks off at 1.30pm on Sunday.
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