Leeds United will face off against Sheffield United on Friday night at Elland Road in a critical matchup in the face for the automatic two promotion spots to the Premier League next season.
The Blades are currently in second place, while the Yorkshire side are in fifth, and only three points separate the two squads in the table. Nonetheless, this match feels like a must-win for Leeds, considering how their last game played out.
Daniel Farke and his team thought they had a win in the bag, but it quickly slipped away after goalkeeper Illan Meslier’s mishap led to the equalizing goal. As a result, a draw or loss wouldn’t be ideal, as it will probably cause the supporters to grow concerned about whether they can challenge for the top two spots.
Heading into this clash, the Yorkshire side are facing an injury crisis in their midfield, with key players injured, and their depth at center-back is thinning. Nonetheless, there’s good news.
Leeds’ attack could see a boost against Sheffield United
The Yorkshire Post reports that Leeds are set to welcome Manor Solomon and Daniel James back for this weekend’s match against Sheffield United after recovering from injuries.
James has not played since before last month’s international break due to re-injuring his hamstring during rehab. Meanwhile, Solomon has been absent for Leeds’ last three matches, initially due to a back problem and more recently because of a hamstring injury.
Both players weren’t part of their national team’s fixtures this FIFA window as they look to speed up their injury process to be fit once club football resumes on Friday for the Whites.
Even if the two standouts are ready to go for the matchup against the Blades, it’s unlikely the two players see the starting XI right out of the gate considering the form that others in the attack are playing.
Willy Gnonto is likely to keep his spot on the right side of Leeds’ attack, especially given his impressive record of two goals and four assists so far.
Additionally, Largie Ramazani, who has contributed two goals and one assist since joining from Almeria in a deal worth up to £10 million, could persuade Farke to stick with his current attacking lineup.
