After a shocking defeat to Hull City in the Carabao Cup, Leeds United will host Fulham on Saturday, hoping to return to winning ways. The Whites had lost their opening fixture to Liverpool, but against a fellow newly promoted club, they will be desperate to seal all three points as it could help them build some confidence among the camp.
In this article, we will talk about three things Marcelo Bielsa must do to secure a win over Fulham this weekend.
Liam Cooper Must Play
Liam Cooper’s absence from the game against Liverpool turned out to be a massive blow for Leeds United as his deputy Pascal Struijk failed to deal with the threat of Mohamed Salah.
This time around, Cooper is available and must feature in this game if the Whites are to secure all three points this weekend. The club captain is yet to play alongside new signing Robin Koch, but the two should combine well given their contrasting style of play.
Cooper’s experience and leadership will help Koch to earn more freedom, which, in turn, should allow the German international to impose his technical qualities on the game, thereby improving Leeds United’s build-up play and ball retention in the defensive half.
More Focus On Attack
Defenders like Koch, Stuart Dallas and Struijk had a hard time dealing with the Liverpool attackers in the last game, so it is only natural for Marcelo Bielsa to take up a more cautious approach when it comes to allowing defenders the freedom to move forward.
However, that might not be the right thing to do against a club like Fulham. The Cotaggers have shown real weaknesses in their defence and organisation so allowing players like Dallas to make darting runs on the flanks could spell trouble for Scott Parker’s men.
In fact, Bielsa could even employ the method of a three-man backline during the possession-phases, with Dallas moving forward to join the attackers and Luke Ayling providing support to the centre-backs. Koch and Kalvin Phillips could also have the license to march forward.
Patrick Bamford Ahead Of Rodrigo
After joining from Valencia in a record deal, Rodrigo Moreno is yet to impress the onlookers, notably coming up with an underwhelming display against Hull City. Although the Spaniard did lack supply, there are clear signs that he may need some time to get used to the pace and physicality of English football.
Therefore, it would perhaps be a wiser option for Bielsa to recall Patrick Bamford in the number nine role. The ex-Chelsea starlet may have faced a lot of criticism over his lack of conversion threat, but he is an ideal fit for Bielsa’s high-pressing and intense tactical style. He can also score the odd goal, especially against a club like Fulham.
