MOT View: Exciting Leeds youngster to finally get big shot with debut v Arsenal
Leeds United get the chance to enjoy an FA Cup tie against Arsenal on Monday without any pressure about getting a result.
The Emirates clash has given Leeds a financial boost just when they needed it but ultimately the game is a distraction from the Championship.
Promotion is everything this season. A win against Arsenal would be incredible but would ultimately just give us more games to play when we need our players to get all the rest they can.
We think Marcelo Bielsa will make wholesale changes to his side on Monday and we’re absolutely convinced this is the right thing to do. Mikel Arteta will probably do the same. He’s got fires to fight in the Premier League.
There are plenty of Leeds youngsters who will relish a run-out in front of the TV cameras, but perhaps none so deserving as 20-year-old Robbie Gotts.
He’s been on the bench over 30 times without getting a single minute on the pitch for Leeds.
Marcelo Bielsa said he felt guilty over the situation in December and this game gives him the perfect opportunity to make things right.
Gotts started as a full-back but Bielsa has said he’s now a number eight.
He also said that he’s never seen a player with the “engine and energy” of Gotts. Bielsa has been around a bit and managed a lot of players – that’s some compliment to pay to the youngster.
Leeds fans who pay close attention to the Under-23s will know all about Gotts. He was a big part of the title-winning side from last season and at 20, Gotts more than deserves his big shot.
He might not start. Bielsa might prefer to introduce him later on in the game, possibly when the pressure’s off. But we do think that Gotts will make it onto the pitch. If not then, when?
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