Bielsa can stun Friday's opponent by using under-appreciated Leeds ace as his new Saiz - opinion

Leeds are struggling to convert their possession into clear-cut chances, and a shock new role for Gjanni Alioski could be just the change Marcelo Bielsa needs to make.

Leeds stumbled once again in their quest for promotion on Tuesday night, as the Whites fell to a 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road.

Steve McClaren’s QPR side had lost seven Championship games in a row before Tuesday’s upset, and Bielsa now has real questions to answer ahead of Friday’s huge showdown with West Brom.

The biggest question is undoubtedly in attack, where the injury to Kemar Roofe has left the boss with just one senior striker to choose from.

This makes Patrick Bamford’s position in the side pretty much untouchable despite his poor performance at QPR, but how can the boss shuffle around the players behind the ex-Boro ace?

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On the chalkboard

Like Bamford, one would have to assume Pablo Hernandez is nailed on to start against West Brom, while the youthful exuberance of either Jack Harrison or Jack Clarke will likely be required on the other flank.

That just leaves the number ten position to fix the attack, where Roofe is injured and his replacement, Tyler Roberts, was absolutely woeful at QPR.

Alioski could be a surprise shout for this spot, as his work rate, runs in behind and ability to try something out of the ordinary could just open up that extra little bit of space for the likes of Bamford and Hernandez to exploit.

The 27 year-old is underappreciated at Elland Road, having played by far the most Championship minutes of any Leeds player this season (2,889), but if he can fill the creative void left by Samuel Saiz’s departure then he will no doubt be a club hero.

Boost for Douglas?

It would also provide a path back into the side for Barry Douglas, who has fallen by the wayside since his injury allowed Alioski into the left-back spot.

The Scottsman’s impressive delivery plus the versatility and unpredictability of Alioski will certainly add to the chance creation, and could take West Brom by surprise on Friday.

from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/2NvDEVB