Leeds United fans want Jamie Shackleton to start against Arsenal on Sunday.
Marcelo Bielsa suggested that Kalvin Phillips is a doubt for the Emirates clash, and if he fails a late fitness test he may have to shuffle his starting line-up.
There is a discussion taking place among fans over what the Argentine should do.
Phillips will be a big miss if he is out but we do have a number of options to take his place, fortunately.
Bielsa picked Pascal Struijk in the defensive midfield role recently against Brighton.
However, the 21-year-old has performed a lot better at centre-back in recent games and it would be a risk to unsettle the defence, even though that’s probably his most likely option.
Luke Ayling would have to slot in at centre-back and Stuart Dallas would have to come back from midfield.
Shackleton could be deployed at full-back in his place or in midfield as a replacement for Phillips.
There is also an option to drop Mateusz Klich deeper as we saw in matches against Burnley and Leicester this season.
Bielsa must make his decision based on the threat of Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe.
We feel Shackleton’s energy can combat the clever positions Smith-Rowe takes up, and he deserves a chance at his second start after acting as back-up so often this term.
That would allow the Whites to keep the same back four which looked so assured against Crystal Palace.
Here is what some Leeds fans think Bielsa should do.
Please play Shackleton in there if this is the case.
— Richard Craven (@Richiecraves) February 12, 2021
Shackleton is a must, leave back 4 in situ.
— James Sewell (@wall1966) February 12, 2021
I wouldn’t change the defence. Dallas, Klich and Shackleton in midfield for me
— J P (@JP08895303) February 12, 2021
Shackleton's tenaciousness and energy did for Villa, I would like to see him against the energy of the Arsenal lads.
— Chris 🤍💛💙 (@Chris_CD2010) February 12, 2021
I'd put Shackleton to RB and leave Dallas in midfield.
— Jacob Standbridge (@PocketTrumpeter) February 12, 2021
It would good to see Shack play tbh 🤞
— LUFC Connor (@ConnorMOT92) February 12, 2021
Shack is the answer. Probably against Smith Rowe want his pace and quick movement to stop Smith Rowe and force him backwards if possible. Interesting to see if Shack is good enough on the ball.
— Antonio Corbo (@antlufc) February 12, 2021
Not sure – away at Arsenal. Think Shackleton will offer more mobility and balance – but roberts a better attacking threat.
Hope Roberts plays mind @bexxxxxg99 (and scores)
— Luke (@Leeds_Untied) February 12, 2021
100% agree that we should start Shackleton, the only question is whether he'll play at CM, RB or (less likely) CDM. #lufc
— 𝕋𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕪 (@tommy_lufc) February 12, 2021
I think Shackleton could possibly play that role in a similar way to Dallas but I’d be more confident he could do a passable Ayling imitation. We’ll see on Sunday, I guess.
— Tom Woodhead (@tdwoodhead) February 12, 2021
In other Leeds United news, Bielsa delivers Kalvin Phillips update as three Leeds attackers ruled out of clash v Arsenal.
