Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has a few massive decisions to make on his team selection in the next 48 hours. He has been asked to bring in the changes to the starting eleven to help the Whites get out of a slump in form, which is threatening to nuke their automatic promotion hopes.
Farke and his Leeds United players are under pressure to get their season back on track after losing more points at home in the 2-2 draw against Swansea City last weekend.
The Leeds boss is a fan of consistency in selection, and some players enjoy his unwavering support. However, supporters are begging him to make some necessary changes to arrest the team’s slide.
The German has so far stuck to his guns and has trusted the players he wants to, but will the pressure tell this week and force him to drop a few who have had a long rope this season?
The Leeds United manager makes the obvious change and brings back the star men into the team
Let’s get the obvious change out of the way first – Illan Meslier has to get dropped to the bench in favour of Karl Darlow starting as the goalkeeper against Luton.
Farke will only attract more ridicule if the Frenchman gets selected, and it could be seen as someone who is sticking to his guns against the face of logic.
Unless there is any fresh injury, Junior Firpo will almost definitely start in place of Sam Byram, and Ao Tanaka will return to the starting eleven as well.
With Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu almost certain to play, Joe Rothwell will have to make way for the Japan midfielder to slot into the team at Kenilworth Road.
A new number 10
Brenden Aaronson broke his goalscoring duck against Swansea, but the rest of his performance was as frustrating as it has been all season.
Wilfried Gnonto’s impact coming on from the bench at Elland Road on Saturday was for all to see. He added energy and spark to the Leeds attack with his movement and directness.
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Farke has hinted at using the Italian in the number 10 role, and this will be a good opportunity to draft him into the starting eleven in place of Aaronson.
Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe have been struggling for form as well, but the duo should continue as Farke would not want to change half his side at this stage of the season.
Leeds predicted eleven: Darlow, Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo, Ampadu, Tanaka, Solomon, Gnonto, James, Piroe
