Leeds United are back in action on Thursday evening as Daniel Farke takes his side to Liverpool after going five games unbeaten, following Sunday’s draw against Sunderland.
Leeds have now opened up a seven-point gap on West Ham, after the Hammers were beaten by Fulham on the weekend, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal saw Leeds earn a point against Sunderland away.
Can Leeds maintain their unbeaten run at Anfield? 🤔
Liverpool have lost four of their 14 home games this season…
Arne Slot and Daniel Farke
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But the point at Sunderland was not without its losses. Joe Rodon suffered two heavy blows to his right ankle, hammered by striker Brian Brobbey before Simon Adingra followed through just moments later.
Alan Pardew believes Rodon’s injury played a part in Sunderland’s goal, and while nothing has been confirmed as of yet, Daniel Farke said it looked unlikely he would face Liverpool after Sunday’s 1-1 draw.
Joe Rodon injury causes havoc with Daniel Farke’s plans
Farke has switched to a 4-3-3 after initially starting with a 3-5-2 in recent games. It saw Leeds come back into the game against Liverpool, and it helped Leeds earn a point in the 1-1 draw against Brentford.
It worked on Sunday, too. But if Farke had wanted to start with a 3-5-2 in any of Leeds’ last games, it will have been Anfield away. Rodon’s injury, however, leaves Farke’s ability to use a 3-5-2 formation in tatters.
Joe Rodon during Sunderland v Leeds United - Premier League
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Stuart Dallas says Rodon is crucial to the 3-5-2 system, and it might be that Farke is forced into a change come Thursday evening. He changed to a 4-3-3 on Sunday and replaced Rodon with Ao Tanaka.
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But he can retain the 3-5-2 system if he brings Sebastiaan Bornauw into the side, or drops Ethan Ampadu into defence and starts Ilia Gruev in holding midfield. Farke has got to weigh up what system is best.
Daniel Farke forced into one change and formation change
Because Bornauw has never started a Premier League game, and because Farke will surely want to keep in-form Ampadu in his natural midfield role, LeedsUnited.News predicts Farke switches to a 4-3-3.
This is, of course, if Rodon is injured and missing the trip. While nothing has been confirmed, Leeds fans will learn more when Farke speaks to the media this afternoon. But Rodon is expected to be absent.
How would you line-up at Liverpool without Joe Rodon? 🤕
Would you stick wth 3-5-2 or switch formation?
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A 4-3-3 sees Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk combine at centre-back, while Brenden Aaronson is pushed out to the right flank. Tanaka replaces Rodon and comes into midfield, with Noah Okafor on the left flank.
There is every chance that Farke uses Gruev over Tanaka, too. Leeds will also be missing Sean Longstaff and Dan James, but Lukas Nmecha is fit again, having come off the bench against Sunderland.
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