Georginio Rutter could be dropped for Leeds United v Norwich City as Dan James set for return
Paul Robinson has backed Dan James to return to the Leeds United starting XI ahead of their Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Norwich City.
Following a 0-0 stalemate at Carrow Road, the two sides are set to lock horns once at Elland Road on Thursday 16 May, which could see multiple changes made from the first leg.
Billy Sharp shone the spotlight on Georginio Rutter’s performance at Carrow Road, suggesting that he looked “lost” against the Canaries, and the former Leeds shot-stopper agreed.
One player who could return, however, is James. The 26-year-old came off the bench in the first leg, having not featured since suffering an injury against Middlesbrough in April.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “He was a little bit isolated. I actually liked the team that Farke picked, with Archie Gray a little further up the pitch with Sam Byram at right back.
“I think he picked a side to go there and do a job. It wasn’t a classic – neither of the first two games were. But Leeds went there, did a job, and have given themselves every opportunity in this second leg.
“He could potentially drop Gray back into the right-back role, then bring Dan James in, with Byram missing out, giving James an opportunity in the No.10 role.
“He’s got the options, he’s got the players fit to do it. The thing with James is that he has such an impact off the bench, which could be to his detriment. I think Rutter was a little bit lost; he and Joel Piroe have really struggled for goals in the second half of the season.
“Piroe, especially, in the first half of the season was excellent but has really struggled to find his way, as has Rutter has in a similar way in the second half of the season.
“I do think James would be missed out wide, but when you look at the way Rutter and Piroe are playing, they’re who Farke has played in the No.10 role. James would be an option there, as would Summerville or Gnonto.
“But it’s a case of ‘don’t fix what isn’t broken’. Yes, it’s been an indifferent run of results. But looking at the run of results and form at home, barring some recent results, he’s played Rutter or Piroe in that role. I do agree that they’ve lacked form in the second half of the season, which leaves an option to put James in there.”
Can Leeds United secure Premier League promotion via the play-offs?
Leeds will certainly feel they have the talent and skill to secure promotion back to the Premier League despite missing out on the automatic spots to Ipswich Town.
James could have a key say in what happens at Elland Road on Thursday night, having notched a career-best 13 goals and six assists in all competitions this season, and has been missing in recent matches.
The winger’s dynamism on the flank, especially as a substitute, has been very important to some of Leeds’ victories this season, with Farke understanding exactly when to utilise the player’s strengths.
While the No.10 role could seem unusual for James, he has been known to occupy the position before or even play as a sole striker, as he has done so for his national team on several occasions.
Rutter has definitely experienced a scintillating first season in the Championship but his performances have petered out in recent matches, which could see Farke look to freshen up the attack at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, one player had a 3/10 shocker in the first-leg draw against Norwich.
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