Daniel Farke will speak to the media today ahead of Leeds United's Premier League meeting with Brentford at Elland Road.
Leeds United welcome Brentford to Elland Road this weekend and ahead of another huge Premier League clash, Daniel Farke will hold his pre-game press conference today.
The Whites fought tooth and nail to earn a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace last time out despite being down to 10 men for the entire second half. Gabriel Gudmundsson was shown a second yellow card in controversial circumstances at Selhurst Park, just minutes after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s missed penalty.
But Farke’s side defended brilliantly to keep their hosts at bay, with Karl Darlow getting through the entire game without facing a shot on target. The point leaves Leeds where they were before last weekend, three clear of 18th-placed West Ham.
That frustrating red card means Gudmundsson will serve a one-game suspension on Saturday with the likelihood being James Justin moves across to left wing-back while Jayden Bogle returns on the right. Farke will provide an update today on whether Noah Okafor is likely to join the Swede in the stands or his teammates on the pitch.
With another full week between games, there is hope Okafor could be fit in time to play some role against Brentford on Saturday. But Farke will provide clarity on his winger and any other potential fitness issues this afternoon.
Daniel Farke on Leeds United selections and Brentford
Should Okafor be available, it would provide yet another selection dilemma for Farke to work out. The Leeds squad has been in relatively good health recently with options to tweak the starting-XI based on the opponent or how a game is expected to play out.
Farke was accused of going slightly too defensive during the last home game, a 1-0 defeat against injury-hit Sunderland, but changed things at Palace with Lukas Nmecha and Brenden Aaronson both starting. The Leeds boss is likely to be quizzed on potential dilemmas for Brentford this afternoon.
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With Leeds the first of all four relegation-battling teams to play this weekend, Farke might also be asked about the psychological impact of playing first. At least one rival is guaranteed to drop points, with Tottenham Hotspur hosting Nottingham Forest, while West Ham are due at Aston Villa.
Both of those other games take place on Sunday, giving Leeds a chance to spend Saturday night six points clear of relegation trouble if they win. Conversely, defeat could see them end the weekend level on points with 18th place, with Farke also expected to give his thoughts on the battle to survive.
And finally, Farke will likely get the opportunity to speak about this weekend’s opponents. Brentford have won just one of their last five games but have no doubt surpassed outside expectations, with European qualification still up for grabs.
Daniel Farke will speak with the media at around 1.30pm today. Stay tuned for live coverage...
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