Phil Hay’s strongest Leeds XI v Chelsea sees Klich benched in three changes
Phil Hay’s strongest Leeds United XI for Saturday’s clash v Chelsea features three changes from the 2-0 defeat to West Ham with Mateusz Klich the biggest casualty.
In come Ezgjan Alioski, Jack Harrison and Rodrigo for Klich, Tyler Roberts and Helder Costa.
Writing on The Athletic’s pre-match discussion board Hay selected the following as his team to take on Thomas Tuchel’s charges.
He said: “On the basis of form and fitness, probably the side which finished on Monday. So: Meslier, Ayling, Llorente, Cooper, Alioski, Phillips, Raphinha, Rodrigo, Dallas, Harrison, Bamford.
“Klich is a quality player but he doesn’t seem to have his usual spark at the moment.”
It is hard to disagree with that assessment and selection by Hay.
Rodrigo is vital to the balance in midfield and plays an integral role that cannot be easily covered, something Roberts has found out to his own detriment.
It has not been easy for Klich with constant niggling injuries and the rotating of midfield partners but something has been absent from his performances as alluded to by Hay – perhaps a drop to the bench would send a timely reminder and help kickstart his season.
He’s played so many games for Leeds that he must be fatigued.
Roberts, meanwhile, has offered very little in midfield and is still yet to score in the Premier League this season.
Defensive and attacking contributions have been scarce while he has not shown sufficient quality on the ball to support his continued inclusion in the starting XI – Rodrigo replaced him from the bench on Monday and looked 10x the player in the 30 minutes he was handed.
Hay’s preferred XI also included a recall for Alioski who has not started since February 14 but he came on at half-time against the Hammers and showed some attacking intent down from left-back.
This would allow Stuart Dallas to play the ‘Klich’ role in the middle of midfield and his boundless energy will be particularly helpful against Ngolo Kante if the French international starts for Chelsea.
Hay also calls for Harrison to replace Costa and that seems like an obvious replacement to us.
In other Leeds United news, Michael Owen predicts Whites v Chelsea.