Leeds United team news v Swansea as Connor Roberts prediction made
Phil Hay believes the inclusion of Connor Roberts could be one of the few changes that Daniel Farke makes to the Leeds United starting XI ahead of Swansea City on Tuesday 13 February.
The former Swansea defender arrived at Leeds on Transfer Deadline Day (1 February), completing his loan move from Burnley at the last moment.
His only appearance for the Whites has come as a substitute, experiencing a 15-minute cameo against Rotherham United during a 3-0 victory at Elland Road on Saturday 10 February.
Speaking via The Square Ball podcast on Monday (12 February), Hay said: “It is really difficult at the moment, choosing who to leave out.
“I was asked whether Roberts might play today [v Rotherham], I thought it would be Gray, but I think Roberts at Swansea on Tuesday night.
“That might possibly be a change. It’s a tough toss-up because there isn’t really any justification for changing it at all.”
Connor Roberts due his Leeds United full debut?
Leeds fans should be excited to see Roberts start for the first time, especially considering their ongoing issues in the full-back positions, with Daniel Farke very transparent about his transfer desires during the January window.
However, the inclusion of Roberts could push Leeds talent Archie Gray out of the starting XI, who has been deputising at right-back away from his usual midfield position.
The 17-year-old has started 27 of the Whites’ 31 Championship matches so far, appearing as a substitute in two further matches too. Farke might be keen to give the youngster a rest, which would allow Roberts to start. But there is no doubt that Gray would be disappointed.
There is a slim chance that Gray could be moved into midfield for the first time since October, but with Glen Kamara, Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev all impressing in the middle of the park, it is a difficult task for the young man.
Roberts’ history at Swansea.com Stadium also makes him a shoo-in for the match, as he will be urgent to prove himself since leaving the Welsh club in 2021, having made 152 appearances for the Swans.
In other Leeds United news, Danny Rohl has revealed that Ivan Poveda was desperate to leave Elland Road in January
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