With the September break finally over, Daniel Farke faces the media on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s clash against Fulham, with Leeds United taking on their biggest nemesis – London.
Leeds’ record in London is notoriously woeful. Often, it is a joke that is portrayed on social media along with Neil Warnock’s famous clip of “we’re in London, aren’t we”. Leeds are known to struggle in London.
Even this season, a 5-0 hammering by Arsenal is another bit of proof towards that. Leeds are preparing themselves for their second trip to the capital this weekend, with Marco Silva’s Fulham up next for Farke.
A side that have already caused massive frustration for Leeds this season, blocking Harry Wilson’s late move to Elland Road. Even though Wilson wanted to join Leeds. Farke has some big decisions to make.
Daniel Farke, Leeds manger during game v Newcastle United.
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Daniel Farke has to consider dropping Leeds United mainstay
There will be some changes to the side that started against Newcastle. Lucas Perri is injured and it looks as if Farke will have to start Karl Darlow in goal, though nothing will be confirmed until Thursday.
Jaka Bijol is pushing to start, while Ethan Ampadu could return to the starting line-up after an injury. Farke also needs to make a decision up front, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin getting fitter and fitter, every day.
But one player Farke has to drop is Dan James. He’s started all three Premier League games, but showed very little, even if James is already recorded as one of the quickest players in England’s top flight.
Farke will have been hoping that James might have developed some confidence during the break, while in action for Wales. But he was a sub in Kazakhstan, and struggled again against Jesse Marsch’s Canada.
Dan James running while playing for Wales.
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That’s six appearances this season for James, none of which he has been able to score or lay on an assist. Last season, he was flying high, looking like he would make something happen every time he got the ball.
Welsh media said he failed to impress, earning 5/10. That edge, that threat, that explosiveness in attack is missing in his play. Perhaps, because he lacked a pre-season. In the Premier League, there is no time.
Especially, with eight games less. Farke needs to make a change. Noah Okafor was a “major doubt” for Newcastle but he made the bench and after the break, should be good to go. Time for Okafor’s first start.