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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Leeds may sit top of the table but their fans are still a demanding lot.
Understandably so given they’ve been residing in the Championship for so long.
But their performance against Derby last weekend provoked yet more restlessness among the Elland Road faithful.
Marcelo Bielsa was berated for aspects of his team selection while two weeks ago they were dumbfounded that Eddie Nketiah and Helder Costa hadn’t started, urging for them to be included going forward.
However, that wish for Costa to start is set to be granted this weekend. It may not come as they’d have liked but it will be happening nonetheless.
The Argentine claimed in his press conference ahead of the clash with Charlton that Pablo Hernandez would miss the game because of a muscular problem. His replacement? Costa.
It’s an unexpected way for him to come into the team but it could serve as a blessing in disguise to have an energised and more youthful-looking figure on the flanks.
We’ve already analysed how Hernandez’s future might lie in the centre of the pitch and a good performance from the Portuguese on Saturday will further that claim.
But this will be a long-awaited start for the Wolves loanee. Leeds will snap him up for £15m next summer and so far we’ve only caught glimpses of why he might be worth that.
Despite starting just two Carabao Cup matches and appearing from the bench in the league eight times, he’s assisted three strikes and also scored.
His potential at this level is clear to see after netting 15 in two seasons in the Championship but he’ll now be hoping to add to that.
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Initial plans might have seen Jack Harrison drop out of the team for Costa. After all, the 22-year-old has a problem with his creativity and is yet to assist a single goal this term.
That’s unsurprising given the fact he’s managed one accurate cross all season but what is a surprise, is that one of their major summer arrivals will replace Hernandez.
The decision to bring in Costa has come about in different fashion to how many anticipated, but Bielsa is finally granting a big wish.
It’s now down to the 25-year-old to prove he does indeed deserve the hype surrounding him.
