Leeds United

2 key Leeds United changes Jesse Marsch should consider v Brentford 

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Image for 2 key Leeds United changes Jesse Marsch should consider v Brentford 

Jesse Marsch is looking to guide Leeds United back to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend when they take on Brentford at Elland Road.

Leeds were 5-2 winners against Cardiff City midweek in their FA Cup third round replay, progressing into the fourth round of the competition with a confidence boosting victory.

In terms of the league, Leeds really need a win this weekend, having won only twice in the last 15 fixtures. They are hovering precariously close to the bottom of the table and pressure is on Marsch still.

Last weekend, Leeds lost to Aston Villa on Friday night despite a good performance, with plenty for Marsch to weigh up heading into Brentford.

We do the same here, taking a look at TWO changes Marsch should be thinking about making:

Five-at-the-back?

LEEDS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Pascal Struijk of Leeds celebrates with team mates after scoring his team’s first goal of the game during the friendly match between Leeds United and Real Sociedad at Elland Road on December 16, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

We’ve been banging on about this for a while now across various platforms, but we’d love for Marsch to switch things up with his system in a bid to make Leeds that little bit more solid and cover some of the squad’s frailties.

Leeds have centre-backs that can play as full-backs, with Pascal Struijk the main example of that having played at left-back all season. Robin Koch had a stint at right-back last season, whilst Max Wober is another centre-back capable of playing on the left.

Rather than shoehorning these players into a back-four, why not setup a three-man centre-back unit, allowing Struijk or Wober to cover the left channel and Koch to do the same on the right, flanking the organiser in Liam Cooper?

Marsch also has a headache with Junior Firpo, who seemingly can’t be trusted in a back-four, but thrives going forwards. Sensible, then, for him to play as a left wing-back potentially? Rasmus Kristensen or Luke Ayling on the opposite side could also improve with more licence to get forwards, as well as having the luxury of back-post cover defensively.

The negative here is that you are having to take out an attacking player to fit this system, yet Leeds can’t keep approaching games with the mantra of scoring three if they concede two. It needs to change and a system switch feels appropriate.

Leeds v Brentford predictions?

Leeds win

Leeds win

Draw

Draw

Brentford win

Brentford win

Jack Harrison into midfield

LEEDS, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: Jack Harrison of Leeds United applauds the fans following the Premier League match between Leeds United and Fulham FC at Elland Road on October 23, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Harrison has thrived at Leeds as a left winger under Marcelo Bielsa, but it’s safe to assume he’s not getting in Marsch’s side there over Willy Gnonto right now.

The aforementioned back-five might allow for Gnonto to play centrally with Rodrigo, in something of a 5-3-2 formation.

There’s a role for Harrison in that system, too, despite there being no natural wing positions.

We’ve seen him be ineffective from the right in recent weeks, but threatening to reinvent himself as a No.8, playing just inside the left channel. He impressed there against West Ham in the Premier League and again on Wednesday night against Cardiff, notching two assists.

Alongside Marc Roca and Tyler Adams in a three-man midfield again, he’s given the licence to push forwards, but also get on the ball in deeper positions, with play opening up in-front of him.

It’s definitely a role he looks comfortable in and should be considered this weekend.

Quiz: Can you remember Leeds United’s last 15 results v Brentford ahead of Premier League clash?

1 of 15

May 2022, Gtech Community Stadium?

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.