With just seven top-flight games remaining in the Premier League this campaign, Leeds United still have their survival chances firmly within their own hands.
Daniel Farke was tasked with keeping the Whites in England’s top division throughout the 2025/26 campaign - with his side currently having a four-point buffer to the relegation places.
The current international break hands the German added time to work with his players at Elland Road, ahead of a vital period of the season that could define the club’s future.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
As seen in previous years, the club have dipped into the second tier on numerous occasions, with the supporters no doubt demanding survival come the end of May.
However, if Farke is to achieve such an achievement in the months ahead, he will desperately need to make one change to his side upon the return to league action.
Why Farke needs to drop Aaronson from his Leeds team
After promotion back to the Premier League last campaign, attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson was reintegrated into the senior ranks and handed the responsibility of providing the goods in the number ten role.
The American international enjoyed a superb start to the season, subsequently registering seven combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight to date.
Aaronson
However, his form has taken a nosedive in recent weeks, with the 25-year-old currently on a run of 12 games across all competitions without a single goal or assist.
His showing against Brentford on Saturday night was another one to forget for Aaronson, with his underlying stats demonstrating his struggles in Yorkshire.
He could only complete 64% of his passes, subsequently losing possession on ten separate occasions - often being extremely wasteful when having the ball at his feet.
Aaronson also completed just seven passes during the 0-0 draw, resulting in a 69th minute substitution - highlighting struggles against the Bees on home soil.
Why Farke needs to switch to a 4-2-3-1 again
At the start of the campaign, Farke stuck with his 4-2-3-1 system at Leeds, but that came to a grinding halt at half-time of the defeat to Manchester City in November.
Daniel Farke
Ever since, the German has opted to utilise a three-back system, which has no doubt made the Whites a stronger defensive unit - resulting in a solid run of form.
His men have only lost four league outings out of a possible 18 matches, drawing the majority - with only four of the games resulting in the club claiming all three points.
Farke’s side are now on a run with six games without a win in the top-flight, falling to score in any of the last four matches, with goalscoring now becoming a real issue.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin sits as the club’s top scorer this season on 10 goals - leading to an England call-up - but he’s not found the net just once in his last eight matches.
Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates
Aaronson’s lack of creativity has no doubt contributed to the recent struggles, which should see the manager revert to his preferred system and unleashing winger Wilfried Gnonto after the break.
The Italian forward has been a key asset for Leeds over recent seasons, but he’s struggled to break into the side since the manager’s switch to a three-back system.
The 22-year-old has featured in 16 league outings to date, but only four of which have come from a starting role - showcasing the lack of faith shown in him as of late.
However, despite his lack of consistent minutes, Gnonto has managed to produce some remarkable numbers - many of which would bolster the Whites’ chance of securing survival.
wilfried-gnonto-leeds
The Italian, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by journalist Alasdair Mackenzie, has created 1.4 chances per 90 this campaign - the joint-most of any player in the squad.
Such numbers would be music to the ears of the likes of Calvert-Lewin, with the England international no doubt benefitting from the forward’s return to the starting eleven.
Wilfried Gnonto - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Games started
Minutes played
Pass accuracy
Long ball accuracy
Chances created
Fouls won
Big chances created
Gnonto has also completed 75% of the long balls he’s attempted to date, whilst registering 0.3 assists per 90 - which ranks him in the top 15% of all players in the division this term.
Similar in build and play style to a certain Max Gradel, a direct runner with trickery and plenty of energy, his tally of 1.9 fouls won per 90 also demonstrates the threat he poses to the opposition, with many teams having to halt his progress amid the danger he can create in attacking areas.
wilfried-gnonto-leeds
For many months now, fans have been crying out for Gnonto’s return to the starting eleven, especially after the current run of four games without a goal in the league.
The Italian has certainly been restricted by Farke over the last few months, with the manager desperately needing to catapult him back into the limelight.
The switch in formation, coupled with the 22-year-old’s potential recall to the starting eleven, could hand the club the perfect chance to secure their top-flight status come the end of May.
joe-rodon-leeds-premier-league Related
Rodon upgrade who left in 2020 is now worth more than every player at Leeds
This former Leeds United star is now worth more than every player at Elland Road.