In today's Leeds United roundup we take a look at what news has been making the headlines for the Whites. Helder Costa looks set to start his first Championship game for the club with Pablo Hernandez out, Marcelo Bielsa clears up why Patrick Bamford and Eddie Nketiah do not start together, and reports suggest the club are to deny loan bids for Ryan Edmondson unless they find themselves a new forward.
Bielsa on Bamford and Nketiah
Report: As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Bielsa will not start Bamford and Nketiah up top for the Whites, as he suggests he may have to sacrifice a midfielder to do so. The Argentine said: "Patrick gives things to the team Eddie can also give. Patrick is a goal scorer, Eddie as well. Their difference in style is not too big because both of them can fill the position with the same efficiency.
"Patrick’s initial advantage over Eddie is he has more time with us, more experience and he is older than Eddie. What you are talking about, this polemic, is one of the things supporters like and the press like as well.
"If Bamford doesn’t play, you will ask why Nketiah does play, and if they both play you ask why Klich or Forshaw doesn’t play.
"It’s difficult to answer this polemic. This talk about different situations and that is fair and is nice. Sometimes, the reality offers space for this polemic. Sometimes this polemic is over the reality. What nobody can complain about is the winning."
Verdict: Indeed, it does seem that if Bamford and Nketiah are to start together, a man from the midfield must be dropped. Like they did against Derby, Leeds have set up in a five man midfield a lot this season and considering they boast the best defence in the Championship, it would be surprising to see Bielsa alter the backline and therefore probably sacrifice a midfielder for Nketiah instead.
This in itself is a tough decision, considering Kalvin Philipps has played every minute so far, whilst Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich have averaged a 6.83 rating and 7.03 respectively, with even academy graduate Jamie Shackleton giving the boss some food for thought lately, playing four times so far and starting against the Rams.
There is also the fact the Arsenal loanee has scored twice from coming off the bench in the league, whilst Bamford has netted four times from a starting role. So, perhaps using Nketiah as a 'super-sub' would be wiser anyway.
Costa to start against Charlton
Report: As told in his pre-match press conference, Bielsa spoke on how it is time for Costa to make his first start for his new club. He said: "Pablo Hernandez is not going to play, he has a muscular problem. He felt that warming up in the last match and today it is not good.
"He is not well enough to play. It is Helder Costa who will play. Costa is prepared, he is ready, I can not say I am happy because people will think I am happy Pablo is not playing! I am happy that if it's not Pablo then it's Helder!"