Sam Allardyce to axe Rasmus Kristensen for Leeds United v Manchester City, Max Wober tipped to start by Sky pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson would like to see Pascal Struijk and Max Wober come into the Leeds United starting XI for the Whites’ Premier League clash against Manchester City.
Both players started on the bench in Leeds’ 4-1 hammering by Bournemouth on Sunday 30 April, although Wober was subbed on for Liam Cooper midway through the first half.
Robinson feels Sam Allardyce should adopt a back four against City, with Robin Koch and Rasmus Kristensen making way in defence.
“I think Liam Cooper will be vital between now and the end of the season. They’ve tried different partnerships and the defence has been the weak link,” Robinson exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“For him, it’s stability. They have to go back to a back four. Pascal Struijk has to come back in as a left-back. Junior Firpo hasn’t done it defensively. It should be Liam Cooper plus Wober at centre half, Struijk at left back and Luke Ayling at right back.
“The two holding midfielders haven’t really worked because the wide-attacking players don’t really support them.
“I’d be tempted to go back to a 4-4-1-1 or a 4-5-1 and flood the midfield. We know what Manchester City do, with John Stones or Kyle Walker dropping into that midfield position.
“Winning and dominating the midfield and then getting at their back four when gaps appear. Set plays are going to be vital for Leeds. Play someone with pace up front, Patrick Bamford for 70 minutes then change it up. I’d play Gnonto as then there’s a get-out ball.
“I think if Brenden Aaronson plays then there needs to be stipulations on him. He’s got to be given a role. He’s got great legs but that can be to his detriment. He needs a disciplined role alongside Adam Forshaw and Weston McKennie.”
In other Leeds United news, an exit-bound senior player was spotted in tears after what happened recently.