Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has some tough choices to make before Tuesday night’s big match against Middlesbrough.
A few players are out of form, but it looks like they might still keep their places in the starting line-up.
Let’s have a look at who might play and what fans are saying ahead of this key Championship clash at The Riverside Stadium.
Tanaka to Start Despite Struggles
Midfielder Ao Tanaka is not at his best right now. Farke even called him out after the Luton game, pointing out mistakes from the last two matches.
He lost the ball in a dangerous area against Luton and also made errors at Swansea.
Still, with Ethan Ampadu expected to move into defence because of Pascal Struijk’s injury, and Joe Rothwell also injured, Farke has no choice.
Tanaka will likely partner Ilia Gruev in midfield again.
Piroe and Solomon Still in Farke’s Plans
Many fans have had enough of Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe in the starting eleven.
Piroe hasn’t scored or assisted in six games, and Solomon missed a sitter against Luton.
But a recent post by the club showed both players in a preview photo hinting they may start again.
Piroe has 21 goal contributions this season, which sounds good, but fans think he’s not living up to the £16 million price tag.
With Patrick Bamford looking sharp after coming back from injury and Mateo Joseph now fit again, there are other options up front.
But Farke said it’s “unnatural” to start Bamford straight away. Solomon has also seen his form dip, even though he has 15 goals and assists.
Fans want him dropped, but the photo posted by Leeds included him alongside others likely to start, like Dan James, Jayden Bogle, Junior Firpo, and Tanaka.
Should Leeds Sign Solomon Permanently?
There’s talk of making Solomon’s loan move from Tottenham a permanent one if Leeds get promoted.
The price is set between £10m and £15m. Solomon himself has said he would like to stay.
But that depends on Leeds going up, and right now, many fans are not sure if he’s worth it. A few weeks ago, most would have said yes.
Now, with his form dropping, many believe the club should look at other options.
Big Match, Big Pressure
Leeds are currently third in the table and need a strong finish to push for automatic promotion. Tuesday’s game against fifth-place Boro is massive.
Farke’s team selection could decide more than just this match, it could shape their season.
All eyes are on who he picks and whether the likes of Piroe and Solomon can step up when it matters most.
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