This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Leeds United are finally almost back to full strength.
It’s been a tough period for the Whites as they’ve been without a number of key players, but after Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that Liam Cooper and Jamie Shackleton are available for Saturday’s match against Sheffield Wednesday, United are just that much better off.
Of course, the return of these two players gives Marcelo Bielsa something to think about in his team selections, and there is one player whose spot should be under pressure.
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With Shackleton back available for selection, Leeds could now stop playing Stuart Dallas out of position as a central midfielder, particularly as he came into the side when Adam Forshaw was first sidelined.
However, Dallas may be best off playing in that position this weekend, but going forward the youngster should return to the lineup.
This leaves Bielsa with another dilemma as he has to look at whether or not he wants the Northern Irishman to replace Luke Ayling at right-back.
With Dallas looking likely to retain his spot in the midfield this weekend, this may be Ayling’s last chance to prove that he should be starting at right-back over his teammate.
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The full-back was panned after his performance against Preston North End, and another showing like that could see him lose his spot in the team.
Dallas didn’t really put a foot wrong during his stint at right-back during Ayling’s absence, earning copious amounts of praise in comparison to Ayling.
However, due to injuries in the midfield, Bielsa hasn’t had to choose between the pair since the former Bristol City man’s return.
With Shackleton now back, it’s only a matter of time before the manager has to make a choice at right-back, and unless the Englishman performs against the Owls his decision may be an easy one.
