Daniel Farke has plenty of decisions to make before Leeds United walk out at the Emirates on Saturday.
The unbeaten start has given the Leeds boss plenty to be positive about, but an away match at Arsenal is a different proposition altogether. Farke will know his side are likely to spend long periods without the ball and will need to be disciplined when Arsenal turn up the pressure.
That could lead to one selection nobody is seriously expecting.
It would be a particularly bold call given the player’s recent circumstances. He has not yet made a first-team appearance for Leeds this season, but he did feature for his national team during the break.
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Farke may want more protection in midfield
Leeds have plenty of options in the middle of the pitch, but Farke could decide that Arsenal require a slightly different approach.
Rather than simply trying to match Arsenal’s technical quality, Leeds may need someone like Ilia Gruev to sit deeper, protect the defence, and make it harder for the hosts to play through the middle.
That could mean sacrificing some attacking threat for greater defensive security.
Anton Stach has become an important player, while Ethan Ampadu gives Farke plenty of versatility. But the manager may see starting Ao Tanaka as a major risk against Arsenal.
Gruev could therefore be in the manager’s thoughts.
The Bulgarian has not featured for Leeds’ first team this season after his serious knee injury, but he did get competitive minutes for Bulgaria during the international break. That is significant because it suggests he is at least ready to play again.
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The timing makes it a genuine surprise
Even with those minutes under his belt, starting at the Emirates would be a huge step.
Gruev has effectively gone from a long rehabilitation programme to potentially being considered for one of the toughest assignments Leeds will face all season.
There is no guarantee Farke will feel comfortable making that leap. He could easily decide to manage Gruev’s return more carefully and use him from the bench if needed.
But the international break has at least given the manager evidence that the midfielder can handle competitive football again.
And tactically, Arsenal could be the sort of opponent where his strengths become particularly useful.
If Farke wants more protection in front of his defence, someone who is disciplined, positionally aware and comfortable sitting deep could be exactly what Leeds need.
It would be a surprise. It would carry some risk.
But after spending months waiting for his return, Gruev could suddenly find himself being asked to make his Leeds comeback in one of the biggest games of the season.
