Liam Cooper is anticipated to replace Joe Rodon for Leeds United this afternoon, ahead of Charlie Cresswell, according to Phil Hay.
Prior to today’s match against Watford, Hay explored some of the lineup adjustments Daniel Farke might make on the most recent episode of the Square Ball Podcast.
With Rodon due to serve a one-match suspension after receiving a red card against Hull City on Wednesday night, center-back will undoubtedly be one of the positions that changes.
Farke has two choices to replace the Welshman: Cooper or Cresswell. Cooper just got back from a six-week injury layoff at the MKM Stadium.
The fact that the Leeds captain received a spot on the bench in place of Cresswell, who was not at all selected in the squad, may reveal how Farke now views his pecking order.
Hay anticipates that Cooper will start before Cresswell.
Cooper is expected to replace Hay, an athletic journalist, despite the fact that doing so would force Farke to start two left-footed center backs.
It will probably have to be [Cooper coming back in], he remarked. Cooper, in my opinion, will be on the right, though either one can adapt. I assume that by not bringing in a different center-back and then not swapping your center-backs, you avoid upsetting the defense as little as possible.
“By keeping Struijk on the left-side, you probably maintain a little bit of continuity.”
Based on Wednesday night, it is difficult to deny that Cooper will receive the nod, which will very surely cause Cresswell a great deal of annoyance.
He must be convinced that his time here will never come if he is unable to fill in as the only other right-footed center-back is unavailable.
To be fair to Farke, it is challenging to contest that Cooper, regardless of whatever foot he is on, is the greatest choice to bring in at this time.
