Leeds, having earned five points from their last three matches, will host in-form Crystal Palace at Elland Road. They aim to create a larger gap from the relegation zone. Currently, Leeds is three points clear of 18th-placed West Ham and looks to secure their place in the Premier League for next season.
Lucas Perri has been the starting goalkeeper for Leeds, but his performance this season has been underwhelming, with only two clean sheets and 22 goals conceded in 11 matches as he adjusts to his new role.
In defense, the team has settled on a back three consisting of Pascal Struijk, Jaka Bijol, and Joe Rodon, with this 3-5-2 formation bringing some success. Recently, against Brentford, Farke changed the lineup by replacing Bijol with winger Willy Gnonto, who assisted the winning goal with an excellent cross.
Wing-backs Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle have thrived in this system, effectively contributing to the attack. In midfield, Ao Tanaka replaced Ilia Gruev against Brentford, providing creative support alongside Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach.
Up front, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin partnered again, as Lukas Nmecha is still recovering from a thigh injury. Calvert-Lewin was impressive, netting his fourth goal in four matches with a strong header.
A goal against Palace would make Calvert-Lewin the first Leeds player to score in five consecutive games since Mark Viduka in 2003, matching only Manchester City‘s Phil Foden’s scoring streak in Europe’s top leagues.
With a win and two draws in the last three games, the atmosphere at Elland Road has improved. Farke’s shift to a back three has been crucial for his position as coach. After gaining points against Liverpool and Chelsea, Leeds needs to maintain this momentum against Crystal Palace and Sunderland.
However, their defense needs improvement, as only West Ham, Burnley, and Wolves have conceded more goals than their 30. Their Expected Goals Against (xGA) stands at 22.34, meaning they have allowed almost eight more goals than expected. For comparison, Aston Villa has an xGA of 22.13 but has conceded only 17 goals this season.
In the pre-match press conference, Farke noted that he has the same roster available as last week against Brentford. Consequently, Daniel James, Sean Longstaff, and Nmecha will not participate in the match against Palace. Nmecha is expected to return soon, while James and Longstaff are still several weeks away from being fit.
GK: Lukas Perri
CB: Joe Rodon
CB: Jaka Bijol
CB: Pascal Struijk
RWB: Jayden Bogle
LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
CM: Ethan Ampadu
CM: Ao Tanaka
CM: Anton Stach
ST: Noah Okafor
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel
West Ham is looking to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves in the January transfer…
Manchester City's defense has been a topic of discussion this season, especially since they have…
Barcelona has identified Josko Gvardiol, Ibrahima Konate, and Marc Guehi as potential centre-back targets. The…
Hearts, leading the Scottish Premiership, will face Rangers at Tynecastle Park this Sunday. Hearts have…
Scottish Premiership leaders Heart of Midlothian host Rangers at Tynecastle Park on Sunday. Hearts lead…
Arne Slot has expressed worry about the injury Alexander Isak suffered during Liverpool’s 2-1 victory…