Daniel Farke to put nail in Erol Bulut’s Cardiff coffin with Ao Tanaka Leeds United tactical decision
Daniel Farke could put a nail in Erol Bulut’s coffin at Cardiff City by starting Ao Tanaka for Leeds United on Saturday (21 September).
The Whites will be keen to bounce back with a win as they travel to the Welsh capital after falling to defeat last time out against Burnley.
The manager is likely to be pleased with how his side performed at Elland Road despite losing 1-0 to their promotion rivals.
Bulut is under increasing pressure at Cardiff having overseen a return of just one point from five Championship matches this season and there is one tactical change Farke can make that could really crank up the pressure on the Bluebirds boss.
Daniel Farke could make Ao Tanaka Leeds United decision against Cardiff City
The Bluebirds look to play out from the back where possible, a ploy that has got them into trouble in the early stages of the season.
Farke could make a change to his midfield to catch the home side’s defence lacking at the top end of the pitch to take advantage.
This may have to be done without Ethan Ampadu who is a concern after suffering a knock challenging Hannibal against the Clarets [Yorkshire Evening Post, 18 September].
If the Wales international is fit, Ilia Gruev could drop out of the Leeds starting XI to accommodate Tanaka.
The summer signing will be able to get further forward and pester defenders while the former Chelsea man sits back and shields the backline.
A change could be made if Ampadu is injured, which will likely see Gruev maintain his role in the starting XI from the Burnley game.
Tanaka could still come in but alongside the Bulgarian, this would just see Farke’s side be more open at the back and potentially susceptible to counterattacks.
The Whites should still have enough to secure three points against Cardiff as another nail gets put in Bulut’s coffin.
In other Leeds United news, one academy product is lined up for loan move amid new transfer development.
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