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Leeds are set to be boosted by the return of Gaetano Berardi, and Marcelo Bielsa should take full advantage by surprising Millwall with a formation change.
What’s the word?
Berardi is finally ready to return to first team action for the Whites, reports The Yorkshire Evening Post.
The 30 year-old has been missing since October with a hamstring injury, before which he was a crucial cog in Bielsa’s machine.
And with the versatile Swiss ace back in the fold, Bielsa should consider switching things up against the Lions.
Triple boost for Bielsa
Berardi’s return boosts Bielsa’s options in three ways.
First of all, the veteran can swap in for Luke Ayling at right back. Ayling has been in fine form recently, but a poor patch earlier in the season was costly, and if it happens again the boss may well be tempted to turn to Berardi.
He can also fill in at centre back, where outside of Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson there is very little depth.
Last but not least, the tough-tackling fan favourite is perfect for a back three, alongside Cooper and Jansson, and next weekend’s clash against Millwall would be the perfect chance to try it out.
Stretch Millwall
Bielsa has used three at the back regularly throughout his career. In fact, the gaffer is perhaps most renowned for his 3-3-3-1 system, something he has not tried to implement yet at Elland Road.
While the 3-3-3-1 requires very specific personnel though, a simpler 3-4-3 could be perfect when Neil Harris’ side come to town.
Defensively, having three centre backs on the pitch will make it far easier to deal with what is sure to be a barrage of long balls towards the likes of Lee Gregory and Steve Morison.
At the other end, the Lions will do their best to keep things tight and restrict Leeds in central areas.
By playing three at the back, allowing Gjanni Alioski and Luke Ayling the freedom to keep their heels glued to the touchline, Bielsa would be forcing Millwall to abandon their shape and leave more spaces in the middle.
The boss may not want to abandon the system he has used for most of this campaign, but Berardi’s return should tempt him to spring a surprise on Harris next week.