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Leeds United face Aston Villa on Sunday in a match that could easily be a preview of the Championship play-off final in May.
The Whites now look likely to miss out on automatic promotion as they sit three points behind Sheffield United with just two games of the season to go.
Despite the temptation to rotate players to have a fully-fit squad for the lottery that is the play-offs, Marcelo Bielsa would be a fool to not play his strongest XI this weekend.
The temptation to rotate
Even though he has stuck to his guns previously, the Argentine manager will surely feel tempted to make changes at Elland Road on Sunday.
The Yorkshire club have endured a barrage of injuries this season and he will be desperate to head into the play-offs with a squad that is fit and ready.
Of course, Leeds have still got an outside chance at automatic promotion but if they’re is being realistic then they will have to win at Wembley if they are to make their way to the Premier League.
Play the best side
United have to play their strongest XI against the Midlands club on Sunday, not only to keep their automatic promotion dreams alive but to give them the best possible preparation for the play-offs.
Dean Smith’s side are on a record-breaking winning run at the moment and have secured their spot in the top six.
Due to their good form and league position, Villa are Leeds’ most likely opponents should they get to the final and if the Whites are to topple the Midlands outfit, then they have to go back to what Bielsa does best.
The Championship learnt the hard way that the 63-year-old is a master of preparation. The manager has resorted to spying, creating documents and extensive scouting to gain an advantage over opponents this season.
Sunday’s game presents a golden opportunity for the 63-year-old to learn everything he needs to know about his opponents without using any of his usual tactics.
In a season where Leeds gained infamy for spying on the opposition, they have the chance to examine their potential play-off final opponents weeks before the fixture even happens. That plan only works however if Bielsa treats this game in the same way he would treat their meeting at Wembley, by playing his strongest side.
