Leeds United are back in action against high-flying Newcastle United at St James’ Park this afternoon, with Jesse Marsch’s side in need of a positive result after recording a third successive Premier League defeat at home to Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
The Elland Road outfit had arguably been architects of their own downfall in that frustrating loss, having conceded just moments before half-time with the game firmly in the balance, before captain Liam Cooper gifted Pep Guardiola’s men the opportunity to extend that lead after producing a tame, under-hit pass which fell to the feet of Erling Haaland.
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier was then unable to keep out the prolific Norwegian’s guided effort soon after as the champions moved out of sight, with a late header from Pascal Struijk proving nothing more than a consolation.
That error-strewn display will likely spark changes among the defensive unit for the trip to Tyneside, with Marsch likely plotting ways to strengthen a backline that has shipped 29 top-flight goals already this season – the fourth-worst record in the division.
Alterations may also lie in attack, however, with the Whites having struggled to pose a real threat last time out, having produced just a single shot on target against the title contenders.
With the Yorkshire side in need of an extra spark to help end their recent losing run, it may well prove wise to bring fleet-footed starlet Crysencio Summerville back into the fold, with the Dutchman having sat out the loss to City.
The 21-year-old had not been risked following his recent foot injury, although the likelihood is that he could well be in contention to feature this time around, with the Rotterdam-born ace no doubt hoping to continue his hot streak in front of goal.
The 5 foot 9 dynamo had been on a fine goalscoring run prior to the World Cup break after truly cementing his place in the side, with the youngster having scored in each of his last four league appearances.
After featuring sporadically in the first-team last term – with just six Premier League appearances to his name – the former Feyenoord man has become a regular fixture under Marsch this time around, having already made ten league outings thus far.
A talent who is simply “unplayable” at times – in the words of LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross – the Netherlands U21 international could well provide that injection of quality that Leeds were lacking in midweek, with the Magpies unlikely to relish coming up against such a devastating asset.
Having already proven himself a man for the big occasion – after scoring against both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool this season – Summerville could well continue that rich vein form and terrorise Eddie Howe’s in-form outfit.
