After a brilliant win at Elland Road on Tuesday all but guaranteed safety, we can focus on the FA Cup – and this is a game I hope we take as seriously as possible. Despite Vale’s lowly league position they’ve picked up under their new manager, and this game absolutely falls into the ‘nothing to lose’ category for them. Sadiki and Hume are suspended, and there’s also the threat of FA Cup suspension hanging over Xhaka, Ballard, Le Fee and O’Nien too should we progress. So, how will Le Bris line up the lads
today?
Goalkeeper: Melker Ellborg
Ellborg had a bit of a shaky start with his feet at Elland Road but grew in composure and in the end had a much quieter night than he’d have expected as Leeds barely had a shot on target. It’s a different test for him today, and another good one.
Defence: Lutsharel Geertruida, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Luke O’Nien
With Hume suspended, and Reinildo, Mukiele and Cirkin out injured, it’s bare bones stuff at the back. I think we’ll see Geertruida drop back into right back and Luke O’Nien move across to the left to fill in there. We could go three at the back with Geertruida in midfield – I wouldn’t be surprised at that if Xhaka doesn’t play – however I think he will…
Midfield: Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee
IF Xhaka’s fit to start, he’ll play in his usual position with Habib Diarra and Enzo Le Fee alongside him. Whether or not Xhaka plays will underline just how we’re approaching this. Chris Rigg is the one you’re looking at and wondering whether he’ll get a start somewhere, but I reckon we’ll go as strong as possible in midfield to start with, and see where we get to as the game progresses.
Forwards: Nilson Angulo, Wilson Isidor, Chemsdine Talbi
Bertrand Traore’s injury at Elland Road could see him done for the season, but we’ve got some good options out wide, and I think Talbi will come back into the team today on one flank while Angulo will continue on the other. Up front, Mayenda’s played the last two so I think Isidor will be given a chance today. I thought criticism of him on Tuesday was unjust – neither he nor Mayenda were in the game much, but he did have the shot that led to the penalty, and today could be the opportunity he’s been waiting for.
