Leeds United manager Daniel Farke might well have to adapt this week as he’s forced into at least two changes against Manchester City.
For many, it’s been a surprise that Daniel Farke made it past the recent international break without being dismissed. To then survive another poor result at home to Aston Villa raised even more eyebrows.
The Leeds boss remains defiant though in the face of growing sack suggestions, as he prepares for one of the toughest away games of the season.
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Leeds United team news to face Manchester City – Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach ruled out
From a winger crisis to a midfield crisis. Farke’s pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon brought to light two fresh absentees for the weekend.
Anton Stach’s head injury following his inadvertent assist for Lukas Nmecha forced a concussion substitution, and as a result, he is forced to sit out and follow protocol for at least this game.
Additionally, Sean Longstaff has been confirmed to have picked up a calf issue that rules him out for four-to-six weeks. Sebastiaan Bornauw, meanwhile, is also out for this game with an ongoing MCL problem.
Here, I look at the lineup I predict Farke could (or should) name for the trip to Manchester City…
Goalkeeper: Lucas Perri
Everyone calling for Karl Darlow to come back in – I totally understand it and wouldn’t be shocked if it happens. Lucas Perri did not cover himself in glory for Morgan Rogers’ second goal from that free-kick.
Lucas Perri faces plenty of criticism as Leeds United’s first choice ‘keeper. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
He’s clearly not fully sighted on the ball, but over-commits to the right and leaves himself rooted for what ended up an entirely saveable free-kick. That’s not to mention the fact that the free-kick stems from Perri not communicating for his defenders to leave a hopeless long ball to run out, instead it was poorly dealt with and a foul was committed.
I don’t think Perri has had as many howlers as a lot of fans have made out, like suggesting he’s no better than Illan Meslier. Come on, let’s be serious.
He’s had some good performances, but has also been shaky plenty of the time. Let’s not forget Darlow hasn’t been completely spotless this season either (see Sheffield Wednesday).
Perri remains first choice, but needs to command better and iron out these sloppy moments quickly, otherwise we won’t win on Saturday.
Defence: Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk, Gabriel Gudmundsson
You’ll see here that I’ve opted for a back five. Given the options (lack of) we have in midfield, it seems imperative that Farke has a different setup up his sleeve, and to me, it points to a 5-2-3.
The centre-back trio consists of Leeds’ three available centre-backs: Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk either side of Jaka Bijol. Rodon and Struijk looked closer to their best rhythm against Villa. With Bijol in the middle of this trio, he could be platformed much better.
Jaka Bijol could come in for Leeds United, v Manchester City. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith)
His performances for Leeds have not reflected his peak abilities, which is in stark contrast to his Slovenia form where he’s imperious. Incidentally, Bijol plays in the middle of a back three for his country.
Struijk playing on the left of the three should give more support to Gabriel Gudmundsson. The Swede has been badly exposed of late and is seeing so many goals come down his side.
A back five with wing-backs could also get much more in possession out of Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle.
Midfield: Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu
A midfield two looks somewhat light, given the quality of opposition we’re facing. But, in practice, it would be a more compact setup with Leeds’ wing-backs pushing up to support.
If I’m to actually expect what Farke does, Ilia Gruev will be starting after Longstaff and Stach’s setbacks. Although, Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu ought to be getting a go together.
(REUTERS/Scott Heppell)
These two are Leeds’ best available midfielders. And with support from the wide full-backs, could give Leeds a bit of joy in transition.
Keep an eye on Ampadu’s discipline, by the way. One more booking and he joins Stach and Longstaff on the sidelines with a one-match ban.
Attack: Dan James, Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor
If Dan James isn’t starting on the right wing for Leeds this Saturday, then there should be no debate whatsoever that Farke is no longer the man that can keep us in the Premier League.
He’s been match fit for over a month, started twice for Wales, was our best outlet off the bench against Villa. However, he is still inconceivably overlooked in favour of Brenden Aaronson – who has consistently offered very little creativity for a while.
Dan James must replace Brenden Aaronson for Manchester City v Leeds United. (REUTERS/Peter Powell)
On the break against Man City, Leeds need their best outlets to ask questions in behind. James and Noah Okafor could be vital to that.
Okafor was very sloppy on the ball against Villa. And, there’s scope for Willy Gnonto to come back in as a result. But, the Swiss winger’s speed and skill with the ball at his feet is something no other Leeds player can offer.
Leading the line for me is former Man City academy forward Lukas Nmecha. If Farke was ever going to start playing to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s strengths, this game is the time. But, it’s hard to all of a sudden expect Farke to have ironed out all of his flaws and start playing to his player’s strengths after so much evidence that he’s not going to.
Nmecha, though, deserves a start on merit with three goals in 350 Premier League minutes this season. His biggest statement yet in a Leeds shirt would be firing in a fourth league goal at the home of his former employers.
Manchester City v Leeds United – Full Predicted XI
Read more: Why I think Leeds United must sack Daniel Farke before January.