Daniel Farke has a number of decisions to make for his team on Saturday when Leeds United host Rotherham United at Elland Road, one of which is whether Connor Roberts will make his debut.
However, if Roberts is to start and make his Leeds debut on Saturday, a decision must be taken regarding Archie Gray. The England U20 wonderkid has been first-choice on the right side of the defense four.
Roberts will be eager to play in the first game for which he is eligible, having missed registration for the game against Bristol City and being ineligible for the trip to Plymouth in the FA Cup’s fourth round.
A home game against a team battling near the bottom of the Championship may be the greatest opportunity to incorporate 54-time Wales player Roberts into the squad. A decision that Farke must make tomorrow.
On the most recent episode of The Square Ball, Hay stated that he believes Gray will not be dropped from the starting lineup in favor of Roberts, but that Roberts could be included if Gray is moved to midfield.
“I would be surprised if Roberts starts. “It is difficult to justify that to Gray, especially given how Gray performed against Bristol City,” Hay added. When asked about moving Gray to midfield and resting Glen Kamara, Hay replied, “That is definitely an option.
“I believe the club is quite concerned that Gray continues to play minutes, whether in midfield or right back. They did not want to sign players who would take away his playing time. Gray is ideal for the advanced midfield position. But I’m not sure Farke will rush to change it up.”
Phil Hay believes Archie Gray can play in midfield on Saturday.
Gray is clearly the long-term future of Leeds’ midfield. It’s unclear whether that will begin this weekend when Leeds face Rotherham. Ilia Gruev may be given a rest in midfield.
Especially after playing for 120 minutes on Tuesday. However, with Liam Cooper also doing so, you would anticipate the rested Ethan Ampadu to replace the Scotland star, while Gruev to continue. So who comes out?
What if Roberts starts? Gray and Gruev are unstoppable, and Ampadu will most certainly start with Joe Rodon. If Gray and Roberts both start, Glen Kamara must start, allowing Gray to play with Gruev.
