Daniel Farke is putting the finishing touches on his Leeds United preparations ahead of a massive Premier League encounter tonight, as Sunderland arrive at Elland Road.
The mood around the club is still one of frustration following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City. It was a tight contest, but the afternoon was clouded by controversial officiating and a red card for Farke, a decision that has left many seething.
Even so, the broader situation remains relatively steady. Other results went their way, meaning Leeds stay 15th and maintain a six-point buffer above the relegation zone.
Beating Sunderland would edge them closer to confirming their top-flight status for another year. Given that context, Farke is unlikely to tinker too much with his starting XI, but he has a huge decision to make on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs to be managed due to the quick turnaround for Leeds
Calvert-Lewin’s fitness was always going to be a huge factor once Leeds gambled on signing him on a free transfer last summer, and he has largely remained fit.
Farke has done a great job of managing his fitness this season, and the forward has rewarded with 10 Premier League goals, which have been a huge reason behind Leeds’ success.
| Club | Leeds United |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League |
| Games | 25 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes Played | 1,851′ |
The 28-year-old striker played the full 90 minutes against Manchester City at Elland Road on Saturday, and Farke would prefer to start him again against Sunderland.
However, it would be a quick turnaround, and there is a risk of pushing the envelope with Calvert-Lewin’s fitness if he again plays the full 90 minutes tonight.
The Leeds manager would want to do everything to ensure that the former Everton man remains fit from now until the end of the season.
He is likely to take the recommendation of the club’s medical team before taking a call on whether to start Calvert-Lewin tonight.
The manager will likely risk the striker against Sunderland
Farke has indicated that he won’t change his team tonight unless he is forced to do so due to illness or fitness of his favoured players.
The Leeds manager will stick to his favoured team, which means Calvert-Lewin will likely be in the starting eleven when the team sheets are announced.
They have an FA Cup game on Sunday, and Farke would prefer to give the striker a day off at the weekend rather than not start him against Sunderland.
The Leeds boss would hope that Calvert-Lewin’s body holds and he can score again to push Leeds towards securing Premier League safety tonight.
Farke does not have another striker of similar quality, and while Lukas Nmecha has stepped up from time to time, he is not as good as the former Everton man.
Keeping Calvert-Lewin for the rest of the season is going to be key for Leeds, but he is almost certain to start at Elland Road tonight.
