Leeds United have a huge game lined up against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday. A narrow 1-0 defeat at Fulham, where the side again struggled to create chances, the Whites need a positive result against a team who have lost their opening four league games.
We have not reached that stage yet this season, but the trip to Wolves on Saturday could still end up defining Leeds’ season. The Whites have four points from their opening four league games, and the underlying metrics of the campaign suggest that they could do just enough to survive in the Premier League.
However, the lack of creativity and goals has raised serious concerns about Farke’s team. Leeds have not scored from open play this season and have a bunch of forwards in their squad who are not known for being regular goal scorers, at least not in recent seasons.
Farke is a fan of consistency in team selections, but the Leeds manager may need to make a couple of changes to his team to ensure they return from Molineux with three points in their bag.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United goalkeepers?
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The Leeds manager needs to drop Sean Longstaff and bring back Ao Tanaka against Wolves
Ao Tanaka recently recovered from a knee injury and was an unused substitute in their 1-0 defeat at Fulham as Sean Longstaff kept his place in the team.
Longstaff was brilliant against Newcastle United and didn’t deserve to get dropped in the next game. However, against Wolves, the team will need more from their midfield.
The former Newcastle star is perfect against better teams in the league, where Leeds need to be more combative in the middle of the park this season.
However, Wolves have lost their opening four games, and Leeds need to get something, if not a win, at Molineux on Saturday. It means more creativity in the middle of the park.
With one more week’s training under his belt, Tanaka should be fit enough to start against Wolves, and his presence will be needed in the middle of the park.
Longstaff will have to settle for a place on the Leeds bench against Wolves; the midfield needs to create and supply more chances for their forwards.
Without Tanaka, Anton Stach is coming under too much pressure to create as well as be the shield in front of the defence because of his huge frame.
The Japanese midfielder will share some of the creative load from Stach and make the team more forward-thinking against a struggling Wolves side.
Longstaff will be needed against better teams
The 27-year-old midfielder showed against Newcastle that his Premier League experience and know-how will come in handy for Leeds this season.
However, against Wolves, Leeds will need to take the handbrakes off and play a more attacking brand against a team who have lost four straight games at the start of the season.
Wolves are struggling and Leeds will need to take advantage and get points off a team that are their relegation rivals, away from home.
They will need more creativity, and Tanaka will be a better option than Longstaff against a side low on confidence.
However, the former Newcastle star will be a key player against better opponents when his combative style will be required.
I agree we should bring in Tanaka but drop one of the wingers
you play the strongest team possible to get the points, they are never gifted by any other team at this level. Lack of scoring goals is the biggest issue due to lack of someone to sneak the opportunities in and an attacker than can hit the back of the net. Tanaka was not risked because Farke doesn’t want to risk him until 100% fit. We need the win over Wolves and they will be looking to get a win – this can be a big turning point,