Leeds United: Sky Sports announcement could be blessing in disguise for Daniel Farke
Leeds United are no strangers to having fixtures switched – including at very short notice – but it may be a blessing in disguise for once.
The Whites’ trip to Watford was recently changed to an 8pm kick-off on Friday, 29 March in order for it to be covered by Sky Sports.
While it is far from ideal that supporters will have to make a late trek home from the capital, it may be good news for Daniel Farke.
Junior Firpo latest Leeds United player to be called up
That is because the number of players jetting off on international duty across the world this month is growing by the day.
On top of the usual international contingent, mainly made up of Wales players, Junior Firpo has now been called up by the Dominican Republic.
The news was announced on Monday (11 March) as Firpo officially switched allegiance from Spain, whom he represented at Under-21s level.
Having players represent their country is a positive, but there is also a downside to it as they risk sustaining injuries while away.
Even if they do escape any knocks, they will certainly return more fatigued than those who have effectively had the two-week break to rest up.
Watford v Leeds United given late kick-off slot on Sky Sports
Leeds could easily have been given a 12:30pm or 3pm slot on Good Friday, but instead they have the late kick-off.
That means an extra seven-and-a-half hours of recovery time, which may not seem like a great deal on the face of it.
However, when considering Firpo – to name just one – will not return to the UK until 27 March at the earliest, it could be good news.
Indeed, those extra hours could be the difference between Firpo starting the game and not being involved in the squad at all.
Leicester City’s returning international contingent, for what it is worth, will have to gear themselves up for a 12:30pm away game at Bristol City.
Small margins they may be, but every last advantage is welcome in what looks set to be a promotion race that goes down to the wire.
In other Leeds United news, Don Goodman has shared an “absolutely not” verdict with regards to the Whites’ automatic promotion prospects.
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