Daniel Farke has two key decisions to make to his Leeds United side ahead of Saturday’s clash against Swansea at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon, as the Championship returns.
After two weeks without a Championship ball being kicked, England’s second tier is back in action on the weekend. The race for automatic promotion now begins, with eight games left to secure a top-two spot.
The Whites come into Saturday’s game against Swansea at Elland Road in poor form. Just one win in four has allowed Sheffield United and Burnley to catch up, with Chris Wilder’s men now level on points.
Burnley have closed the gap to two and it means Farke will be desperate to get back to winning ways on Saturday after only managing a draw against QPR at Loftus Road prior to the March international break.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Two big decisions to be made as Leeds take on Swansea
Alan Sheehan has been confirmed as Swansea manager until the end of the season but the former Leeds defender might be without key defender Harry Darling, who is “touch and go” to play against Leeds.
Farke though, was much more positive when delivering his team news. Willy Gnonto is 50-50 to play on Saturday after his Italy injury, while Farke confirmed Ethan Ampadu will be in Saturday’s squad.
Patrick Bamford is also available for contention but Farke issued caution surrounding the striker, who has not played since New Year’s Day. Max Wober is also back in training, but his return occurred this week.
As far as LeedsUnited.News can see it, there are two major decisions for Farke to make. Who partners Ao Tanaka in midfield, and who plays behind striker Joel Piroe in the no.10 position on Saturday afternoon.
Left image, Brenden Aaronson of Leeds United points during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Leeds United FC at Turf Moor on January 27, 2025 in Burnley, England. Right image, Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford FC and Leeds United FC at Vicarage Road on February 11, 2025 in Watford, England.
Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images
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Brenden Aaronson starts, Joe Rothwell decision in Leeds XI
The defence picks itself. Illan Meslier will remain in goal despite Karl Darlow’s impressive performances for Wales, while Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Junior Firpo start – if, the latter is fit and ready.
Farke confirmed Firpo will only return late afternoon to Leeds after playing and scoring for The Dominican Republic in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Up top, Joel Piroe starts over Mateo Joseph.
Out wide, Manor Solomon and Dan James after impressing for Israel and Wales during the international break. So, who goes in with Tanaka and who starts in the 10 role when Swansea come to town?
The chances are that Ampadu won’t be ready to start just yet, and given it is a home game, Rothwell will surely retain his place. In the 10, Brenden Aaronson retains his place given Gnonto is still a major doubt.
Predicted Leeds United XI to face Swansea: Illan Meslier, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo; Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell; Dan James, Brenden Aaronson, Manor Solomon; Joel Piroe.