Phil Hay believes Joe Rodon will return to Leeds United’s starting lineup against Southampton.
Hay was speaking on the current episode of the Square Ball Podcast, where he discussed Leeds United’s trip to St. Mary’s and whether or not Daniel Farke will make any changes to his starting lineup.
Rodon was suspended for last weekend’s 3-0 triumph over Watford after receiving a red card in the previous day’s 0-0 draw with Hull City.
After making a full recovery from his injury, Liam Cooper deputised for him in his first start since the first day of the season.
Captain Cooper was solid on his return to the side but his inclusion meant Leeds were playing with two left-footed centre-backs, which did hinder them at times.
Rodon will return to the Leeds XI, according to Hay.
Rodon is again back in contention for selection, and Hay expects him to come straight back into the team considering his form previous to his suspension.
“Now, yeah, actually, yes,” he said. He will return because his suspension was only for one game. If he does not, I will be quite astonished. He’s been fantastic, and I don’t think you can leave Rodon out in this form.”
Rodon simply needs to be included in the starting lineup against Southampton in order to offer Leeds with more balance when playing out from the back down the right flank.
What’s more, Rodon was beginning to look excellent up until his ban, with his performance at Millwall and first hour at Hull City having been really assured.
Leeds have another busy week ahead and so Farke will undoubtedly be rotating his side at some point which will allow Cooper to start, but Rodon’s return should be a no brainer.
