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View: 25-year-old can offer Jesse Marsch with Leeds United solution to major headache pre-Chelsea

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Image for View: 25-year-old can offer Jesse Marsch with Leeds United solution to major headache pre-Chelsea

There’s a significant selection decision for Jesse Marsch at Leeds United heading into tomorrow’s clash with Chelsea at Elland Road.

Leeds have lost Stuart Dallas to injury and Luke Ayling to suspension in successive fixtures, leaving Marsch without a recognised right-back available to him.

Cody Drameh’s loan with Cardiff City means he’s not eligible either, bringing Jamie Shackleton into contention.

There are also suggestions that we might see Raphinha in a role at wing-back.

Our writers Toby (Neutral) and Alfie (N12) discuss how it might actually be Robin Koch that’s Marsch’s go-to option:

You get the feeling that Robin Koch may be one that could be worth considering here.

The German has already shown his versatility by playing several games in holding midfield this season, and is capable of filling in on the right of defence as well.

That would mean Leeds would not have to turn to Jamie Shackleton, which given the injuries and lack of game time the youngster has had to deal with this season, would be a big risk in such a high pressure situation.

It would also mean there would be no need to drag a more attacking player such as Raphinha or Dan James back into a deeper role, when they are so badly in need of goals right now, while in Llorente, Struijk, and – if fit – Cooper, Leeds do have options to cover for Koch at centre back.

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Interestingly, I also feel that Koch will be key to Marsch’s decision here but not as a right-back.

Leeds have looked better against Man City and Arsenal with a five-man defensive unit and that could well continue against Chelsea, as Marsch aims to match up Thomas Tuchel’s system.

The 25-year-old’s ability to play on the right of a three and cover the space behind the wing-back could mean that Leeds play a more attack-minded option than Shackleton.

Raphinha should be playing as far forward as possible and wouldn’t be my choice. Instead, it’d be Daniel James.  

James never shrinks his defensive responsibility and his pace will help Leeds get forwards against top opposition.

Raphinha as almost an inside right with James on the overlap could be a real weapon for Leeds against Chelsea, whilst Koch’s presence in playing that right-side role in defence allows them to carry an attacking threat and not just focus on defending.

It’s not ideal but it’s an experiment that could give Leeds some joy and keep them reasonably solid.  

Should Leeds play five-at-the-back again?

Yes

Yes

No

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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.