Leeds United host Brentford on Saturday night in need of a win to relieve any ongoing relegation fears. Daniel Farke’s team news could be vital to our chances of victory.
The upturn in form from West Ham has made matters a lot more nervy going into the last eight games of the Premier League.
Leeds need wins on the board to make life more comfortable, starting with a home meeting against Brentford on Saturday night.
Early Leeds United team news: Will Noah Okafor be fit to face Brentford after hip issue?
A key absentee for Leeds at the moment is left-winger Noah Okafor. The Swiss international was dealt a crucial blow in the FA Cup against Birmingham City, having enjoyed a short but brilliant spell of form against Nottingham Forest and Chelsea with back-to-back goals.
Okafor was pushing to be back in contention for our trip to Crystal Palace. However, Daniel Farke revealed that a new hip issue upon his return to training left him a “major doubt”.
That being said, the wording of Farke’s comments on Okafor being a doubt for the game suggested he’s close to making his long-awaited return to the squad.
Also on the left-hand side, Leeds are going to be without Gabriel Gudmundsson against Brentford. The Swede was sent off for a controversial second bookable offence against Palace, and is therefore suspended.
Leeds United and Dominic Calvert-Lewin need Noah Okafor back to fitness for run-in
Many have criticised Okafor’s inconsistent form since joining Leeds. He’s on four goals and one assist for the season, which isn’t an outstanding return, in fairness.
Although, what’s outlined his importance has actually been his absence in the Premier League since his equaliser against Chelsea.
In the four league games since he’s been missing, Leeds have scored just once. And, that was a screamer of a free-kick from Anton Stach out of nowhere.
It’s abundantly clear that Leeds are lacking an extra dimension in our attack. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is looking isolated in this ultra-cautious 5-4-1 formation, and needs a speedy outlet to stretch the game in wide areas.
It’s much easier to defend Calvert-Lewin in the air when you know there’s no one making constant runs in behind. Or, knowing there’s not another player able to beat anyone 1v1 with the ball at their feet. You can mark Calvert-Lewin out of the game without the fear of another player utilising the space the Leeds no.9 opens up. So, Okafor is vital.
One of Leeds’ best carriers from deep, Gudmundsson, is ruled out through suspension. So, Okafor’s return could be instrumental to us finally looking more potent in the final third.
I’ve already analysed the difference. The stark contrast in Leeds with and without Okafor was games against Forest and Sunderland. Both started with right-backs who were noticeably nowhere near Premier League standard. Okafor tore Zach Abbott to pieces every time he touched the ball, but no one could replicate that impact on Luke O’Nien.
The moment he returns and looks to spin his marker, we should see the game open up for Leeds’ attack in ways we’ve not seen for a month.
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