Leeds United employee ‘sure’ tactical shake-up on the cards amid Pascal Struijk claim
Noel Whelan has suggested Pascal Struijk is “in contention” to start for Leeds United against Brentford on Sunday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker and club ambassador revealed he expects Jesse Marsch to switch to a three-man defence for the visit to West London.
Struijk, 22, came off the bench to score an injury-time equaliser against Brighton last weekend and keep the Whites’ survival hopes alive.
Leeds know they must better Burnley’s result against Newcastle to stay in the Premier League next season.
Whelan suggested Marsch may turn to Struijk on Sunday to counteract the threat of Brentford’s “dangerous” players at set-pieces.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “He’s come on and he’s done his part. That’s all you can ask from a substitute, isn’t it? To come on and influence the game.
“He certainly did that to give us the opportunity and the chance to take it to the last game. I like Pascal, I really do. I think he’s aggressive, I think he’s strong. Whether we go to a three at the back for the last game of the season, we will find out on the day.
“He’s definitely put himself in contention to start because I think, from set-pieces, we know that Brentford are a very big side. They’ve got some very good centre-halves who are dangerous in Ajer and Pontus Jansson.
“They’ve got some very dangerous players from set-pieces. We know the delivery is going to be on the money when it comes from Eriksen.
“We might need to have three centre-halves out there. I’m pretty sure we probably will to be quite honest with you.
“He could be in contention, there’s no doubt about that. I wouldn’t be upset if he wasn’t involved but if he’s out there, I’d be more than happy. I think we need those sort of players out there that they can influence a game from set-pieces.”
In other news, pundit claims door open for Aston Villa to sign Leeds United star as £17million-plus deal done.