‘He has been terrific’: Phil Hay says 25-year-old will return to Leeds starting XI at Southampton
Phil Hay is certain that Joe Rodon will start for Leeds United against Southampton.
In his absence, Liam Cooper filled in, earning his first start since the season’s first day after fully recovering from the injury.
Although Leeds were playing with two left-footed center backs due to Captain Cooper’s return to the lineup, this occasionally hindered them.
return to Leeds XI
Now that Rodon is eligible to play again, Hay is confident that he will return to the starting line-up as soon as possible, given his form before his suspension. “He will,” Hay said, “because it’s a one-game suspension. I’d be surprised if he didn’t, because he’s been fantastic. You can’t leave him out in this form.”
To give Leeds better balance when playing out from the back down that right flank against Southampton, Rodon must simply be inserted into the lineup.
Additionally, Rodon was starting to look pretty good prior to his suspension thanks to his performance against Millwall and his strong first hour at Hull City.
Rodon’s return should be a no-brainer, but Leeds have another busy week ahead, so Farke will certainly rotate his side at some stage, allowing Cooper to start.
In a related development:
Sky Sports journalist shares ‘licking their lips’ verdict ahead of Leeds United clash v Southampton
Both Southampton and Leeds finished bottom of the table last season. Southampton were relegated while Leeds finished 19th.
“Russell Martin is feeling the heat,” Gholam wrote for Sky Sports (28 September). “Four defeats in a row for Southampton is nothing but a disaster in this league, and things need to improve quickly.
“It probably won’t help that Leeds United are the side pitching up at St Mary’s, with a fearsome forward line that will be licking their lips at the opportunity of exposing their shaky defence.”
Huge match
It’s another big game for both sides, and they’ll be desperate to get three points for two very different reasons:
The Saints have dropped out of the top half of the table this month, losing all four games they’ve played.
On the other hand, the Whites have been on a roll of late, winning their last six games with three wins out of three and drawing their last three.
There’s a lot to be encouraged about here, too. The West Yorkshire club have scored six goals in the last four games and haven’t conceded a single goal in that time.
Both sides have enjoyed a period of relative success since they were both relegated last year, and Southampton will be hoping that that will change this weekend, even though they’re at home.
Joel Piroe (centre-forward) and georginio rutter (goal-scorer) should have plenty to look forward to.