Leeds United take on Portsmouth at Fratton Park today and Daniel Farke has a couple of selection dilemmas he has to work out before selecting his starting XI.
Sheffield United and Burnley both piled the pressure on Leeds with wins over Preston and Luton Town on Saturday. Leeds remain in first but only on goal difference with Sheffield United now level on points.
Daniel Farke has watched his side go unbeaten in 17 Championship games, but there is a touch of worry following last week’s inability to beat West Brom. The two sides drew 1-1 at Elland Road last Saturday.
Farke though, will have watched his midfield struggle to dictate the game with Ao Tanaka partnered by Joe Rothwell after Ethan Ampadu’s injury. Brenden Aaronson failed to have any kind of impact again.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Aidan White picks who should start in midfield vs Portsmouth
Portsmouth are a good side. John Mousinho’s side have lost just four games at Fratton Park of their 17 played there, impressive form a newly-promoted team. They sit in 17th place, seven points above 22nd.
So, Leeds will be favourites but as The Whites found out on the opening day, Portsmouth can be a banana skin. The two sides drew 3-3 and Farke must get his selection right – and White has had his say.
Asked on The Square Ball who should start in midfield, White thinks Rothwell should continue in the side over Ilia Gruev: “I’m sticking with Rothwell. I know there’s obviously a temptation to bring Gruev back in.
“I feel like we’re going to dominate possession, so I’d like to see Rothwell. I don’t think it was his most-amazing game against West Brom, he or Tanaka weren’t fully at it. I’d like to see him get a run of games.”
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How Leeds compare with Rothwell in starting XI, and not…
So, Leeds have a whopping 78 points from 35 Championship games and could be the first team this season to go above the 80-point mark already come Sunday afternoon, if Farke gets his selection right.
With or without? Games started Points Points per game
With Rothwell in XI 21 45 2.14
Without Rothwell in XI 14 33 2.36
Interestingly, Leeds have obtained more points without Rothwell in the starting XI and while it is close, it might be that having that midfield shield in Gruev just allows Ao Tanaka to play with a bit more freedom.
Against a side likely to try and frustrate Leeds, Rothwell needs to be the one playing. Capable of rising open a defence with his passing and set-piece ability – but Gruev has quality, too. A difficult decision.