Kalvin Phillips must start for Leeds United in their crucial Premier League clash with Crystal Palace tonight, according to journalist Phil Hay.
The Lowdown: Huge game for Leeds
The Whites face a massive game as they make the trip to Selhurst Park to take on a Palace side who have done well under Patrick Vieira this term.
Burnley's recent resurgence in form has dragged Leeds back into the relegation picture, with Jesse Marsch's side now only two points clear of the Clarets, having played one game more.
Phillips hasn't started a match for the Whites since early December because of a lengthy injury-enforced absence, but he could be involved from the kick-off on Monday night.
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-40/" title="Latest Leeds United news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]
The Latest: Hay calls for Phillips to start v Palace
Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic on Monday morning, Hay claimed that the midfielder should, and likely will, be named in Marsch's starting line-up against the Eagles tonight. The journalist stated:
"Kalvin Phillips is fully fit and there’s surely no question about him at Selhurst Park - he has to start.
"He can make a significant difference and the fact that he's back at full fitness just as Adam Forshaw is out for the season is so important.
"Phillips is in line to start. I don't think that can even be up for debate with Forshaw missing."
[freshpress-quiz id=“383507"]
The Verdict: Has to happen
Leeds' campaign has now reached its most critical point, with the Whites on the verge of being dragged into the relegation zone if results don't improve.
For that reason, it is time for Marsch to take a punt on Phillips from the start at Palace, with the 26-year-old arguably among the most influential players at the club. As Hay mentions, Forshaw's enforced absence makes it even more paramount for the manager to include the England international in the line-up.
Phillips already has two cameo appearances under his belt since returning earlier this month, and now is the time to try and test him for a full 90 minutes, or at least an hour or so.
In other news, Leeds have reportedly stepped up their interest in one player. Find out who it is here.