Former England international Kevin Phillips has backed Luke Ayling to be a key part of Leeds United's success when they play host to West Ham this evening.
Marcelo Bielsa named his team on Wedneday afternoon for the clash, with Ayling set to switch to the centre of defence to play alongside captain Liam Cooper.
The absence of Robin Koch long term and Doego Llorente for the next three weeks has left the Leeds boss with a headache over who plays alongside Cooper, and while it may still prove to be Kalvin Phillips who drops in there, Ayling appears to be the chosen man for now.
That would mean a match-up at Elland Road tonight against Hammers striker Sebastien Haller, who is set to play ahead of the injured Michail Antonio.
It could be a battle that dictates the outcome of the game and former Sunderland striker Phillips is backing the Leeds man to come out on top.
“Haller has not exactly been on fire this season so I would not underestimate Luke Ayling,” Phillips told Football Insider.
“It might be a reason why Bielsa is confident putting Ayling in there because he knows he is having a difficult time.
“Bielsa is not stupid though, he will be confident Ayling can do the job even though it is a slight gamble.”
