This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Leeds United picked up a rather routine win against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday as they continued their assault on the automatic promotion spots.
While their 2-1 victory over the Lancashire outfit won’t have raised too many eyebrows, there was one sub-plot during the game that may have said a lot about one man’s future at Elland Road.
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Bielsa’s tactics
Marcelo Bielsa opted to return to a four at the back formation, which of course meant that his side once again incorporated full-backs.
With Ezgjan Alioski out injured and Barry Douglas back fit, Bielsa had a bit of a selection headache at left-back, especially after Leif Davis received huge praise for his performance against QPR the week prior.
What the Argentine ended up doing against Blackburn on Saturday could spell danger for one of the aforementioned players.
Douglas’ future
Despite the fact that Douglas was deemed to be fit enough before the game, the £3.1m-rated defender wasn’t utilised at all against Blackburn while two of his left-back rivals were.
Stuart Dallas started the game in Douglas’ spot, but when Bielsa wanted to reshuffle his side towards the end of the game he looked towards Davis rather than the former Wolves man.
If this is indicative of the current pecking order at left-back then Douglas’ place in the squad could be under fire.
Alioski also seems to be ahead of him as he’s started 10 games at left-back this term, so the Scotland international is facing an uphill battle to be named in the starting XI.
Racking up a measly rating of 6.48 this term, via WhoScored, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be able to fight his way into contention. He hasn’t started a game since August.
