Bielsa to make six changes for Arsenal FA Cup tie

Marcelo Bielsa spoke with the press on Saturday and revelaed he will ring the changes for the Arsenal FA Cup tie on Monday. Pablo Hernandez, Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton are not yet fit enought to feature and Adam Foreshaw has not recovered from his hip injury. Shackleton will play for the Under-23s on Sunday whilst Hernandez and Roberts will return to training next week. Despite the long injury list Bielsa will make six changes to the side that started against West Brom last week for Mondays game at the Emmirates with two players being handed their debuts. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier and young attacking midfielder Robbie Gotts will both make their first appearances for the Whites. The complete list of expected changes are...


Illan Meslier in for Kiko Casilla
Singed in the summer on loan from FC Lorient this summer after the departure of Bailey Peacock-Farrell Meslier has had his oportunities limited this season vying for a position on the bench with Kamil Miazek due to the limit on loan players in the squad. He has built up a reputation as a penalty saver with three penalties saved for the Under-23s so far this season. Bielsa sees the cup as a good oportunity to give the young keeper his first taste of first team football, but is this with a view that Casilla may be banned following racism charges?


Robbie Gotts in for Stuart Dallas
At the club since the age of seven, Harrogate born Robbie Gotts has Leeds United in the veins. Originally a right back he has moved up into midfield and can play in a plethora of positions. Energetic with real pace he chips in with the goals too and it was only a matter of time before he made his full debut.





Gaetano Berardi in for Liam Cooper
No stranger to the central defensive role this season Gaetano Berardi will come in for Liam Cooper. Cooper has already missed eight games through injury this season and this move may be precautionary. We wouldnt want to be missing our captain and one of our only two recognised first team central defenders for the run in.


Barry Douglas in for Gjanni Alioski
Barry Douglas has never quite made the impact at Leeds he did at Wolves but his assured defensive performance in the second half agaist West Brom may see him regain his place from Gjanni Alioski on a permanent basis. Alioski does not lose out all together though as he moves onto the wing in place of Helder Costa.


Gjanni Alioski in for Helder Costa
Alioski has been covering at left back in recent weeks with Stuart Dallas movig into midfield. His effort is never to be questioned though his defensive frailities often are. A move to the wing will give our 'Duracell Bunny' the freedom to bomb forward and hassle the Arsenal defence in only the way that Gjanni Alioski can.


Patrick Bamford in for Eddie Nketiah
Bielsa's only enforced change comes as a result of Arsenal recalling Eddie Nketiah. Nketiah may have started against West Brom but Bamford's introduction for the second half undoubtedly made a huge difference to the team. Bamford has been a firm favorite with Bielsa since the start of the season and it's fair to say he recognises his value to the team. He said of Bamford during the press conference...

I think Bamford did enough in every match to value what he does in every game. Even if you have to prove again in every game. It's a rule for all the players. We always recognise his impact.