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Leeds United attacker Tyler Roberts produced a poor display in his side’s 1-0 defeat against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Tuesday, but he can play a big role against former club West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road on Friday night.
On the chalkboard
With the likes of Adam Forshaw, Kemar Roofe and Jack Clarke missing through injury and illness right now, Roberts has started the Yorkshire outfit’s previous two Championship fixtures having found consistent starts hard to come by previously.
The Wales international has played alongside Mateusz Klich through the middle in something of a No.10 role behind Patrick Bamford, but he certainly wasn’t at his best in the capital and gave the ball away cheaply on a number of occasions – something that didn’t go unnoticed by Whites fans on Twitter as he was heavily criticised.
Despite that, Bielsa has confirmed that the same starting XI that was beaten on Tuesday will be the same one that faces the Baggies, meaning the 20-year-old will get another opportunity to impress.
Can he make a difference?
He certainly can.
Not only will Roberts be motivated when he comes up against a former employer, but he only needs to take a look at West Brom’s 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United last weekend to see the difference he can make from his position.
Kieran Dowell, who featured in behind the two strikers for the Blades at The Hawthorns, ensured his side took the three points after finishing off a swift counter-attack in the 14th minute.
Leeds’ young player will be featuring in a similar role on Friday, and he needs to stamp his authority on proceedings and exploit the gaps that could appear between the midfield and the backline to get his team back to winning ways in the promotion race – Gareth Barry and Jake Livermore are certainly there to be got at.