‘No-brainer’ – Noel Whelan reacts to Leeds starting XI for clash against Norwich

Sat 29 April 2017 14:31, UK

By Alex Stevens

Noel Whelan delivered an optimistic response after Leeds announced three changes to their starting XI for Saturday’s pivotal Championship clash against Norwich.

Manager Garry Monk has made three changes to the side that lost 2-1 at Burton last weekend, which was their fourth defeat in six league fixtures.

Gaetano Berardi, Eunan O’Kane and Stuart Dallas replace Charlie Taylor, Kalvin Phillips and Souleymane Doukara in the starting XI.

???? Your #LUFC Starting XI for today’s fixture against @NorwichCityFC pic.twitter.com/aK6Cfk7oJ3
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 29, 2017

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Whelan gave a positive response to the team, which means changes at left-back, in central midfield and on the left flank.

“Berardi’s done nothing wrong this season,” Whelan told BBC Radio Leeds, as quoted by the BBC Leeds live match blog (Saturday, 2.06pm). “The Leeds back four have been solid all season. Taylor brings that attacking strength but you have to be positive, and trust the ability in your team mates. It’s about Leeds getting their job done first.

“There’s a good blend in the Leeds midfield area. O’Kane will drive into the space going forward. Featuring Roofe is a no-brainer for me: he comes in off the right and switches, interchange. Dallas has undoubted quality: he can switch, backtrack and has an accurate delivery. I’m hoping we’ll see the best of him today.”

Leeds have an uphill task to clinch a play-offs spot after sinking to seventh following their defeat at the hands of struggling Burton.

Monk’s team have accumulated 73 points from 44 matches and can still secure a top-six finish and a place in the play-offs, but are relying on their rivals Fulham, Sheffield Wednesday and Reading slipping up.