Joel Robles tipped to potentially start for Leeds United in clash v Fulham by Phil Hay
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has tipped Joel Robles to make his first Premier League appearance for Leeds United during the Whites’ trip to Fulham.
Javi Gracia’s side head to West London on Saturday afternoon (22 April) looking to avoid three defeats on the spin.
Illan Meslier has come under fire in recent weeks after conceding eleven goals in two games and Hay has suggested Robles is the “only viable alternative”.
“He has Joel Robles and Kristoffer Klaesson available to him but given that Klaesson has played all of 35 first-team minutes since coming to England in 2021, the experienced Robles would appear to be the only viable alternative — and Robles is yet to play in the Premier League for Leeds,” wrote Hay (latest Athletic column, 21 April).
Out of the firing line
Taking Meslier out of the firing line could well be an option. Regardless of whether he was culpable for Leeds’ recent glut of goals conceded, his confidence will probably be relatively low and bringing in an experienced head could well be what Leeds need.
Robles has been around the block and would be a leader on the field, which is something the Whites desperately lack at present. Even the likes of Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling could well be included to give some sort of character and personality to the side.
The defeat to Liverpool was lacklustre. Too many players went through the motions and didn’t take responsibility. Considering the Whites are now engulfed in a relegation dogfight leaders are required, and, at present, too many are sat warming the bench.
It’s certainly time for Gracia to shake things up in terms of team selection. Time is running out, and fast.
In other Leeds United news, here’s what our exclusive pundit had to say on the Jean-Kevin Augustin saga at Elland Road.