Leeds United manager Daniel Farke will face a major selection headache ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit to Elland Road on Sunday, despite the big win over Newcastle United on Monday night.
The 4-1 win over Newcastle this week was shot of adrenaline for the club and the fanbase, as Farke’s team sizzled under the lights and produced a memorable performance.
Palace have lost three of their opening four Premier League games and are missing a few key players ahead of the trip to Elland Road on Sunday, which makes Leeds overwhelming favourites for the clash.
You might not expect Farke to change a winning team, but the Leeds boss must take note of the opponents and the different challenges his team may face on Sunday.
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Farke must bring back a centre-back to deal with Palace threat
Nico Elvedi has looked good in a Leeds shirt, and his introduction to the starting eleven saw Jaka Bijol lose his spot in the back three.
Farke has preferred to play James Justin in the back three, and while Joe Rodon is out, Bijol lost his place to the summer signing this season.
However, Elvedi won only one duel in the win over Newcastle, and the Palace game will pose a fresh challenge to the Leeds defence on Sunday.
Farke may have to bring Bijol back into the team to deal with a very specific threat in Palace’s setup, which could be a problem for Leeds.
Jorgen Strand Larsen will be a huge threat for Leeds on Sunday, and Farke was keen to sign him in the winter transfer window last season for a reason.
His physical threat will challenge the Leeds defence, and Bijol’s ability to handle big physical strikers is something the Whites will need on Sunday.
Elvedi handled Chris Wood admirably on his Leeds debut, but Strand Larsen is younger, more mobile and uses his physical strengths to good effect.
Bijol is the better bet to handle the Palace striker than the Swiss defender, given the latter is still getting used to the Premier League.
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Farke must go for horses for courses
There is a temptation not to change a winning combination, especially after the performance the players put on against Newcastle on Monday night.
However, the Leeds boss must acknowledge Palace’s specific threats and pick the team to get all three points on Sunday.
Elvedi has been sold since he replaced Rodon, but Strand Larsen is a huge threat on Sunday, and Farke must bring in a defender with the physicality to keep the Palace striker in check.
Jaka Bijol is the centre-back Leeds need in their back three against Palace to nullify their biggest threat up front.
