MOT Leeds News speaking to Paul Robinson

Thu 16 July 2020 13:39, UK

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 go with his strongest team tonight, which means no return to the starting XI for Barry Douglas or Gjanni Alioksi.

However, Bielsa will be forced to make one change with Kalvin Phillips out for the rest of the season.

Robinson thinks that Gaetano Berardi will come in for Phillips, with Ben White moving up to defensive midfield. It will be Berardi’s first start since March when he played 90 minutes in the 2-0 win against Huddersfield.

Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “He’ll go with his strongest team. You saw that when Dallas and Costa came straight back into the side.

“The loss of Kalvin Phillips is a big blow but you imagine Gaetano Berardi will come in for him. He knows the team he wants to start.

“Barring injuries I think he even knows what subs he wants to make in the game. He’ll have a gameplan for the next three games and Leeds are the fittest and strongest team in the league.

“It looks like Pablo Hernandez will be used off the bench. The impact he’s had against Stoke and Swansea, why break what’s working?

“If Pablo is only fit enough for 45 minutes then that’s about managing the player and getting the most out of him.”

Berardi hasn’t started since March and is out of contract in the summer.

However, he’s been a vital part of the Leeds squad and his passion for the side was shown after the late Pablo Hernandez goal on Sunday.

He was spotted absolutely ragging Patrick Bamford and we’re convinced that if Leeds get promoted, Berardi will stay for at least another season.

In other Leeds United news, ‘I have no doubt’ – Angus Kinnear reacts to anti-Leeds Sky Sports incident, hints at revenge