Helder Costa back in Leeds lineup at perfect time to make up for West Ham error

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After an up and down season, Helder Costa returned to the Leeds United starting lineup on Saturday for his first Premier League start since November.

Costa has regained his place following a number of bright substitute appearances. And while he was unable to make much of an impact during the loss to Aston Villa, he will hope that Marcelo Bielsa is ready to give him another chance on Monday.

Jack Harrison has gone off the boil a little in recent weeks. And it is fair to say that few players emerged from the Villa defeat with much credit anyway.

So perhaps Costa – who earns £32,500-a-week, according to Spotrac – will indeed keep his place. And if he does, he can set his sights on redeeming himself following the Whites’ previous meeting with West Ham.

Leeds were beaten 2-1 by David Moyes’s men at Elland Road. And the winning goal came from a late free-kick which Costa gave away.

It was a needless foul to make. Aaron Cresswell was out wide and had his back to goal. And West Ham made sure to punish Leeds, with Angelo Ogbonna scoring moments later.

The mistake came at a time when Costa was struggling for form. At that stage, he was being completely overshadowed by the likes of Raphinha and Harrison. And Ian Poveda also seemed to be ahead of him in the pecking order at times.

The error therefore, may well have set him back further.

So it will be interesting to see if that moment provides him with any additional motivation this time around.

Bielsa’s latest team selection hints that he may get the chance to potentially make amends.