Paul Robinson believes Rodrigo ‘will play’ for Leeds United against Chelsea this weekend, as the Whites look to regain their form.
It was another disappointing night for Marcelo Bielsa’s side on Monday, as they lost 2-0 away to West Ham, leaving them 11th in the Premier League table.
While it is still a more than adequate position to be in, following last season’s promotion from the Championship, just one win in their last five league outings is disappointing.
On Saturday, Leeds welcome Chelsea to Elland Road, in an enticing-looking contest that pits Bielsa up against Blues manager Thomas Tuchel.
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The west Londoners haven’t lost under their new boss and are one of the most in-form teams in the country, highlighting the job Leeds have in front of them.
Robinson tips Rodrigo to replace Robertson
Bielsa has a few selection headaches ahead of the game and one of them could be whether to start Rodrigo or Tyler Roberts, with the latter playing against West Ham and the former only just returning from injury.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, former Leeds goalkeeper Robinson was convinced Rodrigo would return to the starting lineup at his teammate’s expense, due to his superior defensive work:
“It’s a really tough time to play Chelsea. I saw them against Everton and I really thought Ancelotti’s team would get something.
“But Chelsea are on a real run and they’re looking good for a top-four finish. I’d take a draw right now. I’m going to go for a 1-1 draw.
“I think Rodrigo will start instead of Roberts although I do like Roberts and his forward-thinking.
“But against Chelsea, you need to be more defensive-minded and Rodrigo has started showing those defensive qualities that Leeds will need. We’ve seen a really different side to his game at Leeds. He will play instead of Roberts.
“As for the wings, neither Jack Harrison nor Helder Costa have really grabbed their opportunity. Both are struggling for form and I think it’s 50/50 for who starts between those two.”
Transfer Tavern take
It will be interesting to see what Bielsa goes with on Saturday, but it hard to disagree with Robinson, considering the quality Rodrigo brings to the side, both on and off the ball.
Roberts hasn’t scored in the league this season, registering just two assists, whereas Rodrigo has found the net three times, also chipping in with one assist.
He looks the stronger option to start.
In other news, Chelsea have one main injury doubt ahead of Saturday’s game. Read about it here.
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