Dominic Calvert-Lewin will have felt a degree of relief as Leeds United left The Etihad on Saturday, after netting his second goal for the club and ending a goal drought of two months.
After an adductor injury ahead of the defeat to Forest, Calvert-Lewin has failed to start for Leeds, but on Saturday, Daniel Farke opted to bring him on at half-time against Man City and the change worked.
Prediction time for Leeds United v Chelsea
Daniel Farke and Enzo Maresca.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
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A switch to 3-5-2 saw Farke rip up his own playbook and combine Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, a move that orchestrated a comeback from two goals down, to draw level. Calvert-Lewin was key to that.
Slotting expertly to halve the deficit, he then won a penalty which Lukas Nmecha eventually bundled in. Leeds fans are desperate to see the England man start on Wednesday, and Farke to continue with 3-5-2.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin during Leeds' defeat to City.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt â AMA/Getty Images
Daniel Farke hopes Dominic Calvert-Lewin was annoyed
Farke explained that he didnât start the former Everton man due to the injury he picked up before the break and the lack of minutes in his legs. He reminded all that he needs to be careful with Calvert-Lewin.
Speaking in Tuesdayâs press conference, Farke reckons Calvert-Lewin was actually even a bit âannoyedâ with his manager for not starting him against Man City. But Farke made it clear that he likes that reaction.
âFor Man City, he was probably even able to start the game. He was probably even a bit annoyed that I didnât start him. Hopefully he was annoyed, he should be like this as a striker,â Farke said on Tuesday.
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âBut I wanted to be extra careful given he didnât have a proper pre-season with us. Apart from the adductor injury, since he joined, heâs been in every training session. He looks after his body,â Farke added.
Calvert-Lewin one of four expected changes as Leeds face Chelsea
Having starred in the second half against Man City, Calvert-Lewin will surely return to the starting line-up against Enzo Marescaâs Chelsea on Wednesday. Whether Farke reverts to a new 3-5-2 remains to be seen.
It would be harsh to drop Lukas Nmecha after three Premier League goals in as many games, while it feels impossible not to start Calvert-Lewin. Dan Jamesâ hamstring injury has reduced Farkeâs options out wide.
Four changes in our predicted Leeds United XI v Chelsea
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It seems then, that even fate is pushing Farke towards using a 3-5-2 system. The first time since stepping foot into Elland Road that he will have started a competitive match that isnât a 4-3-3, or a 4-2-3-1 system.
James is one forced change, while Anton Stach is back after concussion. Gabi Gudmundsson is rested and alongside Calvert-Lewin and Jaka Bijol â if Farke does use 3-5-2 â four changes will be made to the side.
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