Leeds United are preparing for one of their biggest games this season against Chelsea at Wembley. They can take this chance to make the FA Cup final for the first time in over 30 years.
The Whites will be buoyed by the result they got against Bournemouth midweek, taking a point away from home. Leeds now have 40 points and are on the brink of safety. Chelsea on the other hand, have had a horrible week in the build up to Sunday’s game. They lost 3-0 to Brighton, which saw Liam Rosenior sacked, and now the blues will have an interim manager in the dugout at Wembley.
Leeds star has a point to prove at Wembley
Ahead of this crucial game, Daniel Farke confirmed some huge injury news. Ilia Gruev is out for the rest of the season with an injury. And with Anton Stach not fully fit, it looks like Ao Tanaka will be handed another start in the FA Cup.
The Japanese international has been impressive since filling in for the German against Manchester United. His performance impressed everyone at Old Trafford on the night. He followed that up with positive performances against Bournemouth and Wolves. The Chelsea match will be another stage to prove himself to Daniel Farke.
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Ao Tanaka’s future could depend on next few games
Graham Smyth addressed the Ao Tanaka situation on the Inside Elland Road podcast over a week ago. There have been rumours linking the midfielder with a move away from the club. But Smyth believes he can turn his situation around.
“If Tanaka’s fit, for me he has to start because of the way he’s played in the last two games and there’s a huge opportunity here for him to finish the season so strongly and maybe it will change things that we saw come out last week with that report that he’s open to a move in the summer, maybe all that goes away if he finishes the season playing in the team and showing that he’s good enough to play at Premier League level consistently.”
For reasons only known to Farke, he has preferred other midfielder to the Japanese star in the league. But whenever Tanaka has had the chance he has showed his quality. His technical ability alone matches anyone in that Leeds midfield. Hopefully the 27-year old can prove himself and show Farke why he deserves to stay at the club.
