Farke could finally get a shot at Calvert-Lewin by offloading new Leeds’ Gradel
Leeds United take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road this afternoon, looking to move one step closer to securing Premier League status.
Daniel Farke’s side will bounce back with a comfortable 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Monday night, which helped them move six points clear of the relegation zone.
However, this afternoon’s clash with a team from the bottom of the division offers more opportunity for the Whites to win back-to-back in the top flight.
The club have already beaten today’s opposition in the league this term, with Farke’s men claiming a 3-1 win at Molineux back on September 20.
Since that victory nearly seven months ago, the side have switched to a back-to-back schedule, with many starters from that day likely to miss out on today’s clash in Yorkshire.
Leeds team news ahead of Wolves Premier League match
Ahead of this afternoon’s crucial clash with Wolves, Leeds boss Farke has given an update on which players will be available for the clash at Elland Road.
Ao Tanaka limped off in the 74th minute of United’s win at Old Trafford, with many fearing the Japan international could miss the rest of the game.
However, the manager has confirmed that the 27-year-old is fit to face Rob Edwards’ men this afternoon – potentially allowing him to reunite with Ethan Ampadu at the heart of the team again.
There is no doubt that Tanaka will be selected again due to the ankle injury of Anton Stach, who is still unavailable and is yet to return to first team training.
The 27-year-old is not alone on the medical table at the moment, with the likes of Wales Dan James and Joe Rodon both out of the top flight.
It remains to be seen how quickly any of the aforementioned stars will return to action, but for now at least, Farke’s men will have to provide the necessary results without them.
The Leeds star could find Calvert-Lewin firing against Wolves
Despite producing an impressive tally of eight goals in nine games at one stage this season, Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled to find the net of late.
The 29-year-old, who has scored 10 league goals this season, is the Whites’ top scorer this season, but has now failed to score in his last six league games.
His last Premier League goal came in a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the start of February, highlighting the struggle he endured in the last third.
If Farke’s men are to take a big step towards survival this afternoon, the manager will no doubt want his centre-forward to recapture his goal-scoring form.
However, to increase his chances of seeing his talisman hit the net, the manager should look to finally get Wilfried Gnonto off the wing this afternoon.
The Italian has found consistent league minutes very hard to come by this term, as evidenced by his limited four starts in 32 so far.
He often had to use a few minutes from the substitutes’ bench, after which he was substituted for the 13th time against the Red Devils on Monday.
|
Wilfried Gnonto – stats against Man Utd |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Mathematics |
|
Minutes played |
16 |
|
To touch |
27 |
|
Pass accuracy |
83% |
|
Dribbles are finished |
2 |
|
He moved on to the final third |
3 |
|
Opportunities are created |
1 |
|
Fouls won |
1 |
|
It touches in the 18 yard box |
2 |
Despite playing just 16 minutes and the team being held to one goal, the 22-year-old managed to produce impressive numbers – many of which would benefit Calvert-Lewin.
The Italian managed to complete two dribbles – the most of any Whites player – after which he showed qualities similar to those of former fan favorite Max Gradel.
Gnonto also managed to complete 83% of his passes, three of which came in the final third – which would be music to Calvert-Lewin’s ears.
The winger’s quality against United was also reflected in his tally of one chance he created and one error he won – much like Gradel, who often caused carnage during his time at Elland Road.
If Gnonto were to be called up from the starting eleven, it would likely be in place of Brenden Aaronson, who could see young star and two-goal hero Noah Okafor.
These could play a slightly more open role up front, which could allow the pair to wreak havoc on the team’s bottom side later on.
If they can fully fit in with each other, there’s no reason why they can’t give Calvert-Lewin the tools to end his goal drought and get the Whites a vital three points.
Farke must sell Leeds flop who “started to look like Archie Grey”
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