This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Leeds United fans will have been disappointed to see defender Liam Cooper limp off in the win over West Brom in the week, and then hear that the 28-year-old will be sidelined for up to six weeks.
Gaetano Berardi replaced Cooper on the night and it seems that the player has manager Marcelo Bielsa's confidence, and is expected to step up to the plate when the Whites face Millwall at the Den this weekend, as per BBC West Yorkshire Sport.
So is Bielsa right to opt for Berardi in the absence of Cooper at the weekend?
We discuss........
Toby Wilding
"I think it probably is.
"With Cooper out, Berardi is probably the only real out and out centre back who can come in to fill that role, so it makes sense that he be the man to come in.
"Given that Ben White - as impressive as he has been - is still developing at this level, it could be useful to have someone with more experience alongside him, and Berardi is a defender who does at least have that to offer.
"While Cooper's absence will be a concern for Leeds, Berardi himself should be looking at this as an opportunity to impress and potentially earn a new deal at Elland Road, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season."
Dean Cooke
"Yes, he came on against West Brom when Cooper first picked up his injury and performed very well, when he would have been under immense pressure.
"It was some excellent defending and to get a clean sheet against a side who had scored in every game is very impressive and deserves credit.
"Berardi will be looking to right a few wrongs after last seasons red card in the play-off semi-final and there's no way better way to do that than by being a good defender whilst the captain is absent."
Jacob Potter
"He hasn’t got much choice.
"Cooper will leave a sizeable void in the heart of the Leeds defence, and Bielsa isn’t exactly blessed with options in his back four this season.
"It wouldn’t make sense for Bielsa to put Kalvin Phillips into defence, especially after he’s been so impressive for the Whites in the CDM role this term.
"Berardi hasn’t done much wrong when he’s featured in the Leeds team, and he’ll be keen to prove a point to Bielsa that he is worthy of his starting spot whilst Cooper is out.
"It will have been a no-brainer for the Leeds boss, who can’t afford to make any risky calls, as it could backfire and impact Leeds’ promotion bid in the future."
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