SAD NEWS: Leeds United Head Coach Announce His Departure Due To…..
The temptation to make changes will be immense as Leeds United take on their third match in six days, especially in an FA Cup tie. While Jamie Shackleton seems a natural fit at right-back in Archie Gray’s absence, will Daniel Farke feel the same about Sam Byram at left-back? Junior Firpo, who has had his own injury troubles since arriving at Elland Road in 2021, started the last four matches across 17 days. Despite his improving rhythm, he may get a rest with Byram needing minutes. What about Joe Rodon? Liam Cooper looks an obvious pick on the left, but the Wales international could continue on the right in an effort to cut down on the churn in Farke’s line-up.
With Gray injured and Shackleton likely to be indisposed, Farke is left with three natural midfielders for his two berths. The German would be changing the habit of the season if he finally gave Ethan Ampadu a rest, but could it really work with him alongside Ilia Gruev? Farke has been keen to rest Glen Kamara when fixture congestion hits, but moving him out would require Gruev or Ampadu to be far more offensive than usual.
If we assume someone of Joel Piroe’s importance gets only his second start in six matches, where does Farke play him? It would be beneficial to finally see him start at the tip of the attack, especially when Patrick Bamford has started five on the bounce and has a far-from-pristine injury record. Georginio Rutter has continued to play regularly this season, but was rested at London Road in the third round. Could Ian Poveda be the designated playmaker this afternoon?
If the Whites can avoid defeat today it will extend the unbeaten start at home to 17 matches in all competitions. The last time Leeds started a campaign this well at Elland Road was 1973/74, when Don Revie’s final season at the helm began with an 18-game streak in all competitions. Another notable streak at hand is the chance to record a sixth consecutive win in all competitions. The last time Leeds had a winning run that good was in July 2020, when Marcelo Bielsa was guiding United to the Championship crown behind closed doors.
