Credit: Imago

Samuel Fabre

Fri 13 March 2026 8:42, UK

Ao Tanaka could be one of seven players dropped by Daniel Farke for Leeds United‘s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Whites need to bounce back from their recent losses at Elland Road with an improved performance at Selhurst Park.

Farke’s side have only won once away from home in the Premier League this season, and if they end up being relegated, it will definitely come down to their away form.

Leeds are only three points clear of the drop zone, and with their next match coming against Oliver Glasner’s Palace, they’ll have to be at their best on the road.

Although Leeds beat Norwich 3-0 in the FA Cup last weekend, Farke will make several changes to the starting lineup, with Tanaka undoubtedly set for another spell on the bench.

Ilia Gruev to replace Ao Tanka in seven changes

After becoming a hero in the Championship-winning campaign, Farke hasn’t trusted Tanaka to perform at the same level in the Premier League.

The Japan international has been left on the bench multiple times this season, with Ilia Gruev being preferred in midfield.

Tanaka started in the win over Norwich, impressing in midfield alongside Sean Longstaff, but Gruev is expected to come back into the side once again.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jayden Bogle and Anton Stach should replace Daniel James, Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe to strengthen attacking play in the final third.

Sebastiaan Bornauw and Sean Longstaff will also drop out of the side for Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon.

This means that Ethan Ampadu would resume his role in midfield, with Farke using his preferred 3-5-2 formation.

The final change should see Karl Darlow reinstated into the team for Lucas Perri in goal.

Why Crystal Palace vs Leeds could be Ilia Gruev’s last chance

Leeds have a lot of competition for many positions across the pitch, but the midfield is an area Farke has to consider more than others.

Longstaff and Tanaka aren’t starting any Premier League games at the moment, with Gruev and Ampadu the favoured partnership.

In the 1-0 loss to Sunderland, Gruev was completely ineffective, and calls have been made for him to be axed from the team.

Farke will likely give him the chance to prove himself against Palace, but he needs to start improving on and off the ball if he wants to keep his place in the starting lineup.

And if Gruev fails to impress, then one of Tanaka or Longstaff will be the biggest beneficiary.