Arsenal tie could be perfect game for Robbie Gotts’s Leeds debut

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While it would be absolutely no surprise to see Marcelo Bielsa select a strong side for Leeds United’s trip to Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup, perhaps there may also be scope for a couple of selection surprises.

Leeds’s priority is clearly the Championship promotion race. But Bielsa may perhaps also be wary of making too many changes.

However, the tie with Arsenal may present a fantastic opportunity for Bielsa to finally hand Robbie Gotts his first-team debut.

Gotts boasts an absolutely remarkable record for the Whites. The 20-year-old is still awaiting the chance to make his senior bow for Leeds. But he has been named on the bench 32 times in the Championship since Bielsa’s arrival in 2018.

Gotts has long been considered one of the most exciting prospects in the under-23s. And it seems unlikely that he would be on the first-team bench if Bielsa felt he was not good enough to step in if required.

It will be a daunting task to make a debut at the Emirates. But there is also little pressure on Leeds, who will be underdogs for the tie.

That could present Bielsa with the perfect opportunity to use Gotts. He can either come in at right-back or in midfield.

Using him in the middle of the park could be a particularly wise move. Leeds have suffered a lot of injuries in that area of the field, so it may be a smart move to try and introduce another option.

If Gotts impresses, there is every chance that he could quickly become an important member of the first-team, just as Jamie Shackleton did last season.

The fans are already rooting for him as his wait for a debut continues. It may initially look like a terrible occasion to hand Gotts his first appearance. But perhaps, it could actually be an inspired move from the Leeds boss.