Sam Allardyce given selection headache v Man City as update emerges involving Leeds United outcast Joel Robles
Leeds United outcast Joel Robles is “pushing for selection” in Sam Allardyce’s first match in charge of the club, according to journalist William Jackson.
The Whites travel to the Etihad on Saturday (6 May) to take on Premier League leaders Manchester City.
And back-up goalkeeper Robles could be considered for a rare start amid a poor run of form from number one Illan Meslier.
“The head coach has a number of selection decisions to make this weekend but one of the biggest seems to come between the sticks,” Jackson wrote for Leeds Live.
“Illan Meslier has underperformed for some time now and with Joel Robles pushing for selection the 68-year-old must make a call one way or the other regarding his goalkeeper.
“Allardyce knows Robles from their time at Everton together and he represents the experienced option should he wish to go in that direction. Meslier is the promising prospect, though, and there’s no denying the ability he possesses when he’s firing on all cylinders.”
Defensive horror show
Leeds have been simply shocking at the back in recent weeks, with the club conceding a massive 18 goals in their last five matches.
Although not all of the goals conceded have been Meslier’s fault, the shot-stopper has been culpable for a number of them.
Whether or not Robles would have done any better cannot be known, but it can be said that Meslier may benefit from a week or two away from the pitch and away from the limelight.
He is still a very young goalkeeper and therefore has a lot to learn, particularly when to stay on his line and when to come out, and also when to catch the ball or punch it.
These are issues that can be improved on the training ground, but unfortunately Allardyce does not have much time on his hands in this regard.
The manager is seemingly a creature of habit, and so could stick to what he knows by choosing his former Everton colleague Robles.
In other Leeds United news, one Whites ace is reportedly already considering his future at the club after the arrival of Allardyce.