Former Liverpool footballer Steve Nicol expects Leeds United to field a weakened side against Arsenal in Monday’s FA Cup tie.
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Nicol appeared angered over the way he believes Marcelo Bielsa will approach the tie, suggesting that Leeds owe it to their long-suffering fans to give themselves a chance of winning by fielding a strong XI.
Speaking on ESPN FC, the pundit argued that despite their Championship commitments, the Whites should have a go at an Arsenal team that he also expects to ring the changes following a packed festive schedule.
He said: “We can understand why Arsenal wouldn’t play their first team, but you know what? I bet you Leeds don’t play their first team. And to me that is just unreal.
“Yes, [they are] a side who are challenging and chasing to get in the Premier League, but what about all those years that Leeds United fans have been in the wilderness, turning up week after week? [Leeds are] one of the best-supported sides in the country, never mind in the Championship.
“How about you look after them for once? How about you try and give them something? But that’s not going to happen.
“They’re going to play a weakened side so you’re going to have a game that should have been mouth-watering [that] is going to turn into just another reserve FA Cup tie.”
While Nicol’s grievances with Leeds’ supposed approach to this game are valid, it may be understandable for Leeds to use the Arsenal clash as a chance to recharge their batteries.
Having played three times in seven days (as have the Gunners), to then travel to a Premier League giant ahead of the Championship’s restart the following week could be seen as an unnecessary demand on Bielsa’s side with their league progress surely to be the main priority for the second-tier leaders.
With a Yorkshire derby to follow their cup clash in north London against play-off chasing Sheffield Wednesday, to see Bielsa focus accordingly would be no huge surprise.
So despite Nicol being perturbed by the perceived lack of glamour surrounding the FA Cup third round these days, it seems Leeds would still be acting in their best interests if his expectations become reality.
Leeds fans, do you want to see a strong XI against Arsenal? Share your thoughts below!
