da pixbet： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
da premier bet： Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Leeds will lineup in the same way they did against Birmingham on Saturday as they head to Deepdale on Tuesday evening.
The main takeaway from this is the fact that Helder Costa retains his place in the starting XI despite his poor performances as of late, but with Pablo Hernandez’s potential return around the corner, that may not be the case for much longer.
Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
Poor form
Leeds’ £15m man has failed to live up to expectations in a white shirt since arriving at Elland Road.
Costa wasn’t given much of a game at the beginning of the campaign, but with Hernandez picking up a couple of injury issues in recent weeks he’s been handed a chance.
However, he simply hasn’t taken his opportunity as he’s failed to score or assist in any of the four games that he has started.
Not only that, the 25-year-old is averaging just 0.7 shots, 0.1 crosses and 0.3 key passes per game, showing that he has been wholly ineffective on the wing. With that in mind, he’s under some huge pressure to deliver the goods.
Why are Leeds fans the best in the country? Find out in the video below…
Needs a performance
The most frustrating thing about Costa’s form in recent weeks is that everyone knows he has more to offer.
It wasn’t too long ago that he was contributing to 18 goals in a Championship season with Wolves, but he’s not looked close to reaching those levels yet.
With Hernandez lurking again, despite this little niggle he’s picked up, it’s hard to see Costa retaining his spot in the starting XI once he comes back unless he puts in some top performances.
It’s easier said than done as the Portuguese wide player hasn’t shown anything this season to suggest that an incredible showing is coming, but if he doesn’t turn up in the coming weeks it may be a while until we see him in the starting XI again.