Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Sat 14 March 2026 9:10, UK

Gabriel Gudmundsson has proven he can be a game-changer for Leeds United this season.

The Sweden international got his first goal and assist for the Whites against Norwich City in the 3-0 FA Cup fifth round victory at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke will now hope the left-back can continue to put in similar performances, with Crystal Palace up next for the West Yorkshire outfit in the Premier League on 15 March.

Gudmundsson will surely be key at Selhurst Park, and the former LOSC Lille star’s defensive contribution is what could potentially prove pivotal for the Peacocks.

Ismaila Sarr season in numbers ahead of Leeds United game

Ismaila Sarr has been one of Palace’s best players this season, scoring seven goals and providing one assist in 19 Premier League appearances.

As per Sofascore, the Senegal international has recorded 0.7 shots on target per game and created three big chances, with an average rating of 6.93 in the top flight.

The 28-year-old is often at the right place at the right time, missing six big chances, recording a goal conversion rate of 21 per cent.

Sarr has made the Team of the Week once, recorded 72 per cent passing accuracy, completed 36 per cent of his dribbles and drawn 1.7 fouls per game.

Gudmundsson’s defensive resolve will undoubtedly be tested against the Palace winger, but the left-back will be confident about winning his battles with him having won 57 per cent of his total duels in the Premier League, according to Sofascore.

Daniel Farke has made up his mind about player’s future at Elland Road

Karl Darlow will likely be the number one goalkeeper for the final nine league games of the season unless something unforeseen happens at Leeds.

The Wales international has pipped Lucas Perri in the pecking order and it feels like Farke has made up his mind about the goalkeeping situation for the 2025-26 campaign.

While the Brazilian shot-stopper has been given opportunities in the FA Cup, those performances may not be enough for him to retain his number one status at Elland Road.

With Farke seemingly losing faith in Perri, the former Olympique Lyon star may be on the move in the summer.