NEWS NOW: Phil Hay considers a triple Leeds change in the early Team News v QPR game.

 

Phil Hay considers three changes for Leeds United’s match against Queens Park Rangers.
Leeds United manager Phil Hay has suggested three probable changes to the team that will face Queens Park Rangers at Elland Road on Wednesday, October 4.

The Athletic journalist believes Joe Rodon is the most likely replacement for Daniel Farke, with Jaidon Anthony another possibility.

Archie Gray was the third name mentioned, albeit it was difficult to blame either Ethan Ampadu or Glen Kamara for the loss to Southampton.

Hay mentioned the adjustments that Farke could make later in the week on the Square Ball Podcast (Monday, October 2).

“The really interesting aspect of QPR and the questions for Farke tomorrow will be what changes with the team?” he stated.

“I found it difficult to place much of the blame on Kamara and Ampadu on Saturday because I didn’t feel like the way Southampton was pressing and Leeds was distributing the ball gave them much of a chance to do much with it.”

“You fully expect Ampadu to stay in the team; I suppose the question is, will Archie Gray return?” Is Farke a little unpredictable there?

“Aside from that, is this a good night for Jaidon Anthony to make his debut?” That could be justified, but I expect all eyes will be on Rodon, will he return to the center of defense? “I believe the answer is unequivocally yes.”

Simple.

Farke should consider Rodon’s return to the starting lineup a no-brainer.

At St Mary’s, Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk battled together, with the Whites’ lack of a right-footed option also hurting them as they tried to establish momentum with some speed.

In the 3-1 loss, we lost count of how many times the duo was turned by a simple through ball, with Rodon providing far more security to the back line.

Gray’s arrival would not be contested, but Kamara must be allowed time to establish himself in that midfield slot, with glimpses of his progressive approach in possession looking very promising.

With Crysencio Summerville out for an extended period of time, Anthony’s full debut may be forced.