The Leeds United boss may feel he has to bite the bullet with certain players
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
15:12, 23 Oct 2025
Isaac Johnson
Isaac is the Leeds United reporter for LeedsLive. An NCTJ-qualified journalist, Isaac has interviewed many football icons during his career, including World Cup winners and Premier League champions. He has also sat down with a number of Olympic greats, such as Adam Peaty MBE and Dame Laura Kenny.
Daniel James has not started a game since August
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Daniel James has not started a game since August(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Friday is a must-win for Leeds United, even at this early stage, given West Ham United are currently a relegation rival. Games against such opponents always are, but particularly in light of Leeds United’s recent form.
One point from three matches must not stretch to four without a win and three straight defeats. It is vital Leeds use the power of Elland Road under the lights to regain confidence and belief with a victory.
A loss could see them sink into the bottom three by the end of the weekend ahead of the visit to Brighton & Hove Albion, which is always a tricky trip. Going down to another defeat at home on a Friday night would dampen spirits going forward - though the home support will do all they can to not allow that to happen.
Not conceding first
Leeds have conceded first in their past five games, meaning they have always been fighting an uphill battle. They have come from behind to get a result twice - a win over Wolves and a draw with Bournemouth.
But defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley have shown that this is not a sustainable trend. Daniel Farke says going behind is a matter they have spoken about internally, amid a desire for ‘clean sheet behaviour’ to return for Friday.
That would be handy and, obviously, would ensure another loss is not registered. Leeds have not kept a clean sheet since the goalless draw with Newcastle United back in August - only one of two games in which they have not fallen behind.
Injury returns
Fans have been imploring Farke to make changes to his line-up for the visit of West Ham. Jack Harrison and Brenden Aaronson frustrated supporters against Burnley with a lack of finishing and general attacking inspiration.
Daniel James came on for the final 30-odd minutes in place of Aaronson and, despite clearly not fully fit, offered more impetus. Wilfried Gnonto and Noah Okafor are doubts for the game, though Okafor is more likely to make the cut than his teammate.
Farke says he will never risk more than two players who have question marks over them, but he might have to bite the bullet on at least one. It would seem appropriate to give James the nod on the right and see how fit Okafor is to feature, and maybe start.
Nevertheless, by Brighton, Leeds might have all their injured starts primed and ready. Harry Gray is already back from his hip flexor issue and goalkeeper Lucas Perri is working up match fitness, having returned to the matchday squad.
Calvert-Lewin goal confidence
One goal in six Premier League matches is not a fantastic return, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be all too aware of that himself. Murmurs about his ability to find the net again may turn into loud noise if he fails to score again and Leeds lose.
What must not be lost is the impact he otherwise has on the team. His holding up of the ball, flick-ons and channel runs all help Leeds move up the pitch into the final third, and he is why the team have been able to fire in so many shots on goal.
Yet Calvert-Lewin has had his own chances to double his Leeds tally, including three good opportunities against Bournemouth and two against Tottenham. While his key role in the team is undeniable, it’s approaching the stage where the striker needs a goal to go in via any method to strengthen his and everybody’s confidence.
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