Phil Hay moots potential return to Leeds XI v West Brom for fan favourite
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has speculated that Pablo Hernandez could start for Leeds United against West Brom on Tuesday night.
Writing ahead of the game for The Athletic, Hay responded to one Leeds supporter and suggested a potential start for the Spaniard and said: “As for changes, I also thought the energy look a bit low on Sunday. Hernandez looks like the obvious choice if Bielsa wants to change things slightly.”
Elsewhere in the discussion, Hay went on to say that it ‘feels like the right type of game for him’ against West Brom.
With Leeds looking a little jaded in the second half against Burnley, Marcelo Bielsa could be tempted to switch up his midfield options following such a quick turnaround.
Hernandez has not started a Premier League game since the beginning of November when Leeds lost heavily at home to Leicester City.
El Mago in his element against West Brom
If there is one Leeds United player who has happy memories against West Brom – it is certainly Hernandez.
The Spaniard scored one of the best goals of the Bielsa-era against the Baggies at Elland Road last season.
Putting emotion to one side – the game at home to West Brom could be the perfect opportunity to bring Hernandez back into the team.
If their performance at Anfield is anything to go by, West Brom will arrive at Elland Road with zero attacking intentions – for the first half at least – and Hernandez’s ability to pick holes in a low block could be a very useful weapon.
While his involvement in the team is far more limited in the Premier League, Hernandez remains as positive as ever on the ball.
According to Wyscout, he is averaging 12 passes into the final third and seven passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes this season.
In other Leeds United news, Paul Robinson has claimed that Illan Meslier was “lucky” against Burnley