Leeds United's Colombian striker Luis Sinisterra (C) reacts having been sent off during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Aston Villa at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on October 2, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Nigel Roddis / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by NIGEL RODDIS/AFP via Getty Images)
This Saturday, Leeds United play in the FA Cup 4th round for the first time since they were dumped out by non-league Sutton 6 seasons ago.
On paper, Leeds are the favourites. However, given the whites’ FA cup history, it’s never that easy.
Jesse Marsch should be able to make changes and field a weakened team, giving his main players a rest ahead of a big game away to Nottingham Forest next weekend. Although don’t be surprised if he fields a relatively strong side to avoid the embarrassment of failing to beat a side currently embroiled in a 3rd tier relegation fight.
Here’s who I’d start against Accrington Stanley
GK – Joel Robles
It’s pretty obvious that Robles is our nailed-on cup goalkeeper, and he’s been a nice pair of hands when we’ve needed him, so it’s safe to give him a start.
RB – Rasmus Kristensen
With Luke Ayling putting in solid performances in recent Premier League games, the Dane may get the nod in a way to gain a bit of confidence and a route back into the side.
CB – Robin Koch
With Koch suspended for the game against Forest, it’d make sense to play him in this game and keep him sharp for the doubleheader against Manchester United.
CB – Diego Llorente
I wouldn’t risk Wober here in a game where a back pairing of Koch and Llorente should be able to suffice. Important to get Llorente some confidence as it’s likely he’ll be starting against Forest.
LB – Junior Firpo
Similar to Llorente, Firpo should be looking at Koch’s suspension as a way back into some Premier League football, so it’s a chance to impress ahead of next week.
CM – Tyler Adams
Expect Adams to play a similar role as he did in the replay against Cardiff. If the lead’s comfortable at the half, he’ll most likely be subbed off.
CM – Darko Gyabi
Gyabi impressed in Wales against Cardiff so I feel he should start again here against a side he should dominate.
CAM – Brenden Aaronson
Any way to get the American’s confidence back that we saw in the opening stages of the season is appreciated, and there’s no better way than playing a team 50 places below Leeds in the football pyramid.
CAM – Sam Greenwood
A few days after turning 21, expect Greenwood to start (hopefully in a more attacking role) this Saturday hoping to mark his birthday with a goal or two.
CAM – Luis Sinisterra
Leeds’ £20 million Raphinha replacement has struggled with injury but came off of the bench to make an impact against Brentford. Expect him to start on his road to full recovery.
ST – Georginio Rutter
Leeds’ record £35 million signing didn’t make it off the bench against Brentford last weekend but will definitely feature in the 4th round. Rutter and Bamford will most likely get a half each, so it is a toss-up, but I reckon the Frenchman gets the nod to start.
