Leeds United will take on Stoke City at Elland Road this Easter Monday, and the Whites know that a win could nearly confirm their return to the Premier League.
Leeds are just a few steps away from promotion, and this match is a big chance for them to move closer.
Daniel Farke’s men have been in great form and beat Oxford United 1-0 on Friday. After that win, the mood in the team was full of hope and focus.
Now, they’re ready to give it their all against Stoke.
Stoke Hit With Left-Back Problems
Stoke City will arrive in Leeds unbeaten in their last five matches, but they have big problems in defence.
Their regular left-back Eric Bocat went off injured only 13 minutes into their last match against Sheffield Wednesday.
His replacement, Jordan Thompson, later got stretchered off with an ankle injury.
This now leaves Stoke with no fit senior left-back. Enda Stevens is already out for the rest of the season, and Josh Wilson-Esbrand, on loan from Manchester City, is “fit but not really fit,” according to their boss.
In the end, Stoke had to finish the game with winger Lynden Gooch playing at left-back and he’s right-footed!
If Stoke have to start Gooch again on Monday, that could be a real weak spot for Leeds to attack.
Dan James Could Make the Difference
The good news for Leeds fans is that Dan James is back. The speedy Welsh winger returned from injury and played the last 15 minutes in the win over Oxford.
He had missed the match against Preston due to a hamstring issue, but now he’s fit again.
James has been one of Leeds’ best attackers this season with 12 goals and 9 assists.
He’s level with Joel Piroe for most goal contributions and has proven time and again that he can step up in the big games.
Willy Gnonto did a steady job while James was out, but Farke might now bring back his star winger to start.
James can cause big problems for Stoke’s weak left side, especially if they play a winger out of position again.
A Huge Game With Premier League in Sight
With only a few games left, every point counts for Leeds.
If they beat Stoke and Sheffield United don’t win against Burnley, Leeds could seal their promotion to the top flight.
The fans at Elland Road will be behind the team all the way.
With Dan James back and Stoke in trouble, this could be a golden chance for Leeds to take a massive step forward.
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