With Saturday’s defeat to Fulham now a thing of the past, Daniel Farke and his Leeds United squad face arguably their most important game of the season so far on Saturday afternoon.
Leeds go to Wolves, two sides expected to be battling it out to avoid finishing in the bottom three places come May. So far, Wolves sit rock-bottom in the Premier League, losing all four of their opening matches.
Having lost key players like Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha, the Midlands side are up against it and have so far suffered on the pitch. Defeats to Man City, Bournemouth, Everton and Newcastle on Saturday.
The feel-good factor is certainly not at Wolves, especially with star striker Jorgen Strand Larsen a major doubt for Saturday’s clash. But it’s hardly at Leeds either, after a last-minute loss to Fulham on Saturday.
Daniel Farke watches on as Leeds lose to Fulham.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Daniel Farke has to start Leeds attacker for the first time in PL
So far, Farke has named three different front threes. Willy Gnonto, Dan James and Joel Piroe started against Everton and Arsenal. Lukas Nmecha replaced Piroe in the 0-0 draw against Newcastle at home.
A complete change on Saturday saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor start for Leeds. All eyes will now be on the starting line-up that Farke names when The Whites go to Molineux.
Jack Harrison during Leeds United v Everton.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
There is one attacking player Farke is yet to start. Jack Harrison is still trying to win Leeds fans over, but his record against Wolves is something that Farke cannot ignore when picking his Leeds XI for Saturday.
Not only has Harrison picked up 14 points from a possible 27 in Premier League games against Wolves, but the winger has had a hand in four goals and assists in his last six outings against the Midlands side.
Date Club Competition Venue Result Harrison G+A?
19 October, 2020 Leeds Premier League Elland Road 1-0 Wolves 0
19 February, 2021 Leeds Premier League Molineux 1-0 Wolves 0
23 October, 2021 Leeds Premier League Elland Road 1-1 Draw 0
18 March, 2022 Leeds Premier League Molineux 3-2 Leeds Harrison goal
6 August, 2022 Leeds Premier League Elland Road 2-1 Leeds Harrison assist
9 November, 2022 Leeds Carabao Cup Molineux 1-0 Wolves 0
18 March, 2023 Leeds Premier League Molineux 4-2 Leeds Harrison goal
30 December, 2023 Everton Premier League Molineux 3-0 Wolves 0
4 December, 2024 Everton Premier League Goodison Park 4-0 Everton 0
8 March, 2025 Everton Premier League Molineux 1-1 Draw Harrison goal
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The front three Aidy White wants Leeds to start against Wolves
Given Calvert-Lewin started against Fulham and is now getting back to his normal fitness levels, it feels likely the England international will start at Wolves. But who goes alongside the former Everton striker?
Farke said Aaronson started to provide more defensive work and distance covered, with Noah Okafor and Calvert-Lewin starting. But with Wolves away a game Leeds need to win, more focus should be on attack.
Harrison’s history against Wolves shows he deserves a chance in the starting line-up. But Aidy White said after the loss to Fulham that he would keep Okafor in the side, and bring Willy Gnonto in for Aaronson.