Leeds United
Leeds United face Nottingham Forest on Friday in a crucial game in their fight for survival. Both teams are around the bottom of the table and this game means a lot in the grand scheme of things.
Especially with West Ham facing Burnley this weekend; the standings could end up very different after this round of fixtures. Daniel Farke’s side will be hoping to bounce back after their huge loss to Arsenal last week. The result came as a bit of a surprise considering how well the Whites had fared against the best teams in the league.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
Now they face a Forest side who have been picking up points and going on a run – they are unbeaten in their last four league games. Sean Dyche’s side have gotten some reinforcements this week and are geared up for the rest of the season.
Daniel Farke has selection dilemma ahead of Leeds United game
Ahead of Friday’s game, Daniel Farke confirmed that Anton Stach has been ruled out. The midfielder recently returned to the lineup and has been a key part of the team this season. But in the crucial game against Nottingham Forest, they will be without a driving force in the middle of the park.
Stach’s absence could see Facundo Buonanotte start his first game for Leeds United. The Argentine can fill a variety of roles, including as a number 8 or a number 10 in this new system under Daniel Farke.
READ MORE: 49ers will be kicking themselves as Leeds United-linked striker completes loan move
49ers decision could be questioned
Buonanotte’s status on Friday could tell a lot about the club; since he arrived, he has been making cameos of the bench. The 49ers brought him in as a needed reinforcement, and the player backed himself to shine at Elland Road. But if he does continue to keep his place on the bench, then questions will inevitably pop up. Tanaka has not been in the best form and Ilia Gruev is clearly not a favourite under Farke.
If he was a priority signing for the team, why has he spent so much time on the bench? There are a lot of games left this season, but if Buonanotte is not introduced into the lineup soon, there is not much time for him. The Argentine has to learn how to play with his teammates in order to establish himself in the first team.