Injuries to two key players have limited Daniel Farke’s options to bring in a few changes to his Leeds United starting eleven tonight at the Riverside Stadium. However, there are a couple of players in the team who could be looking over their shoulders ahead of the big game against Middlesbrough.
Farke made a few changes to his Leeds United team at Luton Town, but it was not enough as they dropped more points in a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.
The Leeds squad have been rocked by the injuries to two key players – Joe Rothwell and Pascal Struijk. They are expected to be out for at least two weeks if not more.
The injuries have limited Farke’s opportunity to freshen up his team. However, he still has a chance to make a couple of changes, and two players could be sweating over their places in the team.
A chance to freshen up the Leeds United attack
Farke brought in Gnonto in place of Brenden Aaronson in the number 10 role against Luton Town. However, the Italian did little of note at Kenilworth Road.
While some could argue that dropping Gnonto after just one bad performance would be unfair, Aaronson is a favourite of the Leeds boss, and he provides energy to the team with his willingness to work hard.
It would be no surprise if we see the American’s name in the starting eleven when Leeds announce the team later this evening.
Manor Solomon has not scored or assisted a goal in eight games, and his performance at Luton was poor as well. Leeds have dropped hints that he will start tonight.
However, this could be Farke’s chance to send a message to the squad by dropping a player who has not been at his best for close to two months.
Farke’s options are limited
There are certain players in the squad who need to be taken out of the firing line. However, Leeds’ squad looked stretched at this stage of the season.
Joel Piroe has scored once in seven games, but Farke does not have another striker of the required quality who could replace the Dutchman in the starting eleven.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United players?
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The Leeds boss has been forced to experiment with Gnonto at number 10 because he does not have another attacking midfielder in his squad beyond Aaronson.
If Leeds are forced to hang their hat on Patrick Bamford, who has not been fit for the better part of the last three years, coming good at this stage of the season, it would be a damning indictment of their squad planning.
