This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Helder Costa hasn’t been brilliant for Leeds since joining the Whites this summer.
The Wolves loanee has yet to score in the league, but after grabbing his second assist of the season against Reading on Tuesday many fans felt as if he was turning a corner.
Fortunately for the winger, he’s got a great opportunity to have a real breakout performance this Saturday.
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Looks set to start
Costa was brought into proceedings on Tuesday after an injury to Tyler Roberts saw Marcelo Bielsa forced to reshuffle his side a little bit.
With the Boro game coming just four days after Roberts picked up that problem, it’s been confirmed that the Welshman won’t play any part this weekend.
The most likely scenario is that the Argentine lines up against Jonathan Woodgate’s side with a similar team to the one that ended the game at the Madejski Stadium with Costa on the right and Hernandez in the middle.
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Real chance
The Wolves loanee has a real chance against Middlesbrough to show the Elland Road faithful exactly what he’s got.
Boro have been lining up with a back three in recent weeks, and with their left-sided centre-back Dael Fry lacking pace, Costa could easily get at him.
Middlesbrough’s WhoScored page makes great reading as well. One of their weaknesses is listed as struggling to defend against skilful players, and that certainly plays right into Costa’s hands.
The wide man manages 1.3 dribbles per game across his career while he’s also fouled the same number of times on average each outing.
The 25-year-old could get the better of Boro’s defence this weekend, and if his final ball is as good as it was on Tuesday then this could be the turning point for the Wolves loanee at Elland Road.
With Roberts out, he simply has to grab the opportunity with both hands.
In other news, one Leeds star has been praising Marcelo Bielsa’s “carnage” training strategy…
