Leeds United are set to take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane tonight in a high-stakes top-of-the-table clash. A win for either side will be invaluable as they push towards securing automatic promotion to the Premier League this season. Daniel Farke, who will be serving a touchline ban tonight, will be sweating over his playing eleven as he prepares his side for one of the biggest games of the season. The Leeds boss is known for consistency in selection and wants some stability in his team. However, the German could be tempted to make a key change to his team at Bramall Lane after last Monday night’s evens against Sunderland.
Farke won’t be in the dugout and he will be leading the preparations for tonight’s game and all eyes are on the starting eleven the Leeds boss will pick for Bramall Lane.
There is no news on whether Manor Solomon has travelled to Sheffield today after picking up a knock in the 2-1 win over Sunderland at Elland Road last week.
The winger’s absence will likely lead to a change with Wilfried Gnonto or Largie Ramazani coming into the starting eleven to occupy the left-hand side of their attack.
However, Leeds fans are also clamouring for a change in midfield for the big clash against Sheffield United to shift the dynamics of the game at Bramall Lane.
Farke has four top midfielders to choose from at this stage and the choice of his midfield two could end up defining the game tonight in Sheffield.
Joe Rothwell in and Ilia Gruev out for Leeds United
Ilia Gruev has started four of their last five Championship games and has continued to remain an important player despite missing a chunk of the season due to a knee injury.
However, Joe Rothwell’s impact in Leeds’ win over Sunderland last week has turned the conversation towards him getting back into the starting eleven.
Gruev is more of a defensive midfielder while Rothwell is a more progressive passer and his delivery from set-pieces changed the game against Sunderland.
There is now a clamour for the 30-year-old midfielder to get into the starting eleven for the big game against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane tonight.
It is expected to be a tight affair and there is a feeling that Rothwell’s progressive passing and delivery from set-pieces could make a big difference against the Blades.
Gruev provides more defensive solidity in midfield but Leeds fans are keen to see Farke take a risk and gamble on starting Rothwell tonight to show more intent.
It will also depend on the defensive make-up
Farke has so far opted against starting Pascal Struijk since he returned from the hamstring injury and he was the goalscoring hero from the bench against Sunderland.
If the Leeds boss decides to start the Dutchman in central defence, Ethan Ampadu will start in midfield and then the fight for the last spot will be between Ao Tanaka, Rothwell and Gruev.
If the Leeds captain starts in midfield, he would take up the defensive midfielder’s role and Tanaka has more of a chance to be his partner due to his attacking instincts.
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Both Rothwell and Gruev could miss out against Sheffield United in that case but it is still not certain whether Farke is prepared to start Struijk in central defence.
Farke could also opt for defensive solidity in midfield by starting another naturally defensive midfielder alongside Ampadu and that could lead to Gruev starting over Tanaka and Rothwell.
It’s a selection headache Farke would be loving and having such strong midfield options would help him to change the game from the bench again if he needs to, tonight.
