Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce will hope to put an end to the Whites’ winless run this weekend as they host Champions League-chasing Newcastle at Elland Road
Leeds have gone six consecutive games without a win, picking up one point from the last 18 available as the prospect of relegation becomes increasingly apparent. Last Saturday, Allardyce’s men restricted Manchester City to just two goals at the Etihad Stadium and defended valiantly despite a clear deficit in the quality of the two sides as Pep Guardiola’s men came away with all three points.
This weekend, Leeds faces another top side Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s team has their sights set on a top-four spot as the season draws to a close and requires just six points from their last four matches to guarantee a spot in Europe’s premium club competition next season.
Debate amongst Leeds fans on social media, on online forums, and in the workplace is rife as to who Allardyce should select to face the Magpies at Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime.
Some supporters have called for the reintroduction of club record signing Georginio Rutter, who joined Leeds in a deal that could rise to £35 million if all clauses are met. Others have taken the opposite view, deeming the 21-year-old not yet Premier League-ready, dubbing Rutter’s involvement a ‘high-risk’ strategy given the brief period in which Leeds have to change their fortunes.
Here is what Leeds fans have been saying about the Frenchman’s possible involvement in the coming games.
@MattyWaite91: Looked smart for u21s out wide once he found his feet in the game. Sadly we have zero room for chance-taking now this season
@PaulMid83655426: No but he should be given 30 minutes in the 2nd half when the opposition defense is tired. He isn’t fit enough to start
@robincrowle7: Yes give the lad a chance
Michael Gledhill @uki2484: Unfortunately, we haven’t got good enough players to get the ball to him. The lad is a huge talent.
@stuart53374157: Get Perkins and Joseph Involved.
@MintAndrews: Yes watching last night very impressed with him also Perkins both need to be involved Saturday
Dennis Crook: Don’t think Bamford is the man to score the goals we need Rodrigo the man up front I think
Gordon White: To be honest I haven’t really seen him play
Mike Newsome: No I’m afraid we have to play our proven striker he has scored the most goals for us and Rodrigo has scored 12 for us and he scored in our last game, must play him
Ian Meek-Myers: Not if he’s not up to it. Hasn’t shown enough for me so far. He might be quality in the Championship.
Simon Jones: No time for a gamble, high-risk option. Rodrigo is up top for me.
Whether Allardyce elects to call upon the French youngster – most probably from the bench – against Newcastle, who happen to be the veteran coach’s former employers, remains to be seen and could depend on the fitness of several attacking players.
