Sunday sees Leeds United return to action in the Premier League a week after Daniel Farke’s side salvaged a point against Liverpool. This weekend, Leeds take on Brentford in London.
Farke has saved his job since December began. Arguably his best week as Leeds manager, the German was tasked with getting a result against Liverpool or Chelsea, or he would face the sack at Elland Road.
How many points can Leeds get from the next five games? 🔮
Leeds' next fve games.
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Leeds beat Man City in the second half of the 3-2 defeat, before beating Chelsea 3-1 and then secured a point against Liverpool. Ao Tanaka, who scored against Chelsea, netted with his left foot in injury time.
Now, Leeds go to Brentford. A side that was expected to be in the bottom three come the end of the season, before the season had begun. After ridiculing those predictions, Brentford’s form has dipped.
Lukas Nmecha in action for Leeds United
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Daniel Farke provides Lukas Nmecha update ahead of Brentford
Indeed, Brentford have lost their last two and four of the last six. Before Chelsea, Leeds had lost six of the last seven. Leeds will be hoping some newfound confidence and momentum ousts the London hoodoo.
However, Leeds have beaten Brentford at the G-Tech in recent years, as Jesse Marsch’s side won 2-1 on the final day of the 2021-22 season. Farke has won five of his eight games against Brentford.
The last Premier League win in London came in January 2022, under Marcelo Bielsa. A Jack Harrison hat-trick saw Leeds win 3-2, and Leeds will need to be at their best again if they are to avoid another loss.
Daniel Farke and Lukas Nmecha.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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Sean Longstaff and Dan James were expected to miss the clash and Farke confirmed as much, while also commenting on whether Lukas Nmecha would be fit, after being a doubt and missing the Liverpool draw.
“Not confident [Nmecha plays v Brentford]. Unfortunately, he is symptomatic. Not healed, he’s definitely out for this game. The first step will be to return back to training, I’d like him back as soon as possible.
“Especially, for the Crystal Palace game. Every day matters. He’s not back in team training, he’s doing individual work and that means there is no chance he plays this weekend,” Farke confirmed, on Nmecha.
Which formation would you start against Brentford? 📈
Listen to what Daniel Farke had to say ahead of Brentford.
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Following Farke’s update, how should Leeds line-up on Sunday?
Farke has a decision to make. Does he use the 3-5-2 again from the off, having started against Chelsea and Liverpool using the same system? Or, does he use the success of the second half against Liverpool?
The 3-5-2 worked in the second half against City, blew Chelsea way, and kept Liverpool at bay in the first half last Saturday. But for Leeds to come back into the game against Liverpool, he reverted to 4-2-3-1.
That worked to perfection, with Gary Neville impressed by substitutes Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto. So, Farke has a decision to make but he will surely want to be more solid away from home.
Another start with 3-5-2, and a couple of changes, seem likely. Ao Tanaka cannot be ignored, surely, after two goals in two games from midfield. With Nmecha out, it is likely that Noah Okafor continues up top.
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