Rodrigo dropped, Luke Ayling to make first start – Leeds United predicted XI v Arsenal
Rodrigo is predicted to be dropped by Leeds United to make way for the return of Luis Sinisterra for the game against Arsenal on Sunday.
The Spanish attacker is the club’s leading scorer so far this season, with four, but hasn’t quite been at the same level since returning from a dislocated shoulder he suffered in the draw with Everton on 30 August.
Colombian winger Sinisterra, second on the list with three, was suspended for the defeat at Crystal Palace at the weekend (9 October), but will be available again for the visit of the Gunners on 16 October, so is likely to come straight back in, with The Athletic highlighting how great the need for more output down the right flank is in their article on Wednesday (12 October).
The winger’s return would push Brenden Aaronson into the middle, making Rodrigo the man to miss out, as Patrick Bamford remains the manager’s preferred choice at striker whenever he is fit, despite his lack of goals so far.
Jesse Marsch could also bring Luke Ayling into the starting XI at Elland Road, having brought him off the bench in every one of the three games since he returned to full fitness, replacing Rasmus Kristensen in the last two.
The summer signing would feel somewhat unlucky so lose his place as his performance at Palace was arguably his best since he arrived, following a difficult adjustment period, but with the league-leaders coming to town the American could opt for greater Premier League experience considering he clearly wants to get the Whites veteran involved.
Illan Meslier will be in goal, with Pascal Struijk and Ayling predicted as full-backs, and Robin Koch next to captain Liam Cooper in the middle. The skipper had a bad day at Selhurst Park having taken the place of Diego Llorente in the game before, so will need to improve, but is unlikely to be taken back out of the line up.
Tyler Adams and Marc Roca are sure to continue with their pairing at the base of the midfield, behind Sinisterra on the right, Aaronson in the middle and Jack Harrison on the left.
And Bamford is predicted to take the lone forward role over an unlucky Rodrigo.
If Ayling is given the nod he will need to make amends for the last time he faced Arsenal, when he was needlessly sent off at the Emirates on 8 May in the midst of the relegation battle, .
In other Leeds United news, the latest Fabrizio Romano update shows the club are in danger of repeating their biggest mistake of the summer again in January.