Leeds United and West Ham go head-to-head at the London Stadium today for the final FA Cup semi-final spot, but for several Whites players, there’s more than just progression on the line, with their long-term futures at the club also under scrutiny.
Daniel Farke is likely to prioritise Premier League survival over the FA Cup and is expected to field a rotated Leeds team at the London Stadium today.
It means several squad players are likely to get their chance to impress against the Hammers, and it could be the last opportunity for a few to prove that they deserve to play more.
With seven Premier League games left to play, Ao Tanaka is one of the players who will be out to prove that he deserves more of a chance in the run-in.
Ao Tanaka will get a final chance to stake his claim
Leeds will likely rest some of their regular starters to avoid any risk of injury ahead of the final seven Premier League games of the season.
Ao Tanaka started in the win over Norwich City in the previous round of the FA Cup and is expected to be in the starting eleven today at the London Stadium.
The Japanese midfielder has been frustrated by the lack of game time this season and has not started a Premier League game since the end of December.
His second-half appearance from the bench in the 0-0 draw against Brentford was his first in the league after being an unused substitute in seven straight Premier League games.
The FA Cup quarter-final clash could be his last opportunity to impress Farke and convince him that he deserves more opportunities in the league.
With Leeds looking to bring in midfielders if they survive, Tanaka is rapidly running out of time to prove that he has a long-term future at Elland Road.
If his performance can inspire Leeds to an FA Cup semi-final, the midfielder could have a groundswell of support to get more of a chance in the Premier League run-in.
However, a poor performance at the London Stadium could more or less end his time at Leeds ahead of the end of the season.
Leeds need to finalise the midfielder’s future soon
Tanaka was widely regarded as the Championship’s standout midfielder last season and one of the few Leeds players who looked ready to step up to the Premier League.
He had some bad luck with injuries early on, but since returning, his performances haven’t quite been strong enough to earn consistent minutes in the league.
There’s been plenty of talk about a possible summer exit, although Leeds are keen to keep hold of him for now.
That said, much could depend on what Tanaka himself wants, especially with the club expected to bring in another midfielder in the next transfer window.
He could still be a valuable squad option, but if he continues to struggle for game time next season, his value may start to dip.
As things stand, Leeds would likely have the chance to more than double their investment if they decide to cash in this summer.
