Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Thu 19 March 2026 20:10, UK

Daniel Farke has explained why Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha rarely start together for Leeds United – but it doesn’t quite add up.

The two forwards have combined superbly when played as a duo this season, but Farke has been reluctant to field both at the same time and prefers to keep one on the bench.

That has unsurprisingly raised eyebrows among Whites supporters, many of whom believe the two-man strikeforce could seal Premier League safety during the run-in.

However, Farke is adamant he will continue to stick to his guns.

With Leeds hosting Brentford in a must-win match on Saturday, Calvert-Lewin is expected to get the nod from the off, with Nmecha set to once again watch on from a distance.

Daniel Farke addresses Lukas Nmecha’s limited minutes

In fact, Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha have started together on just two occasions so far this campaign – against Chelsea and more recently Crystal Palace.

Leeds went on to thrash the Blues 3-1 at Elland Road, with the two strikers proving a handful, but Nmecha was hooked at half-time against Palace after Gabriel Gudmundsson’s red card.

Digging in his heels, Farke revealed why he has favoured Calvert-Lewin as a lone number nine.

“A few reasons, one is that both have an injury record, and we needed to manage minutes a bit. I also want a solution for a striker to make an impact off the bench,” he told reporters.

“They also have similar attributes, and it’s good to mix it up.

“Sometimes in a 3-4-3 you need players with a bit more skills in a pocket. Had a few games with two upfront, defending in 5-3-2 and then it was natural.

“But sometimes we are defending a 5-4-1, then it’s difficult for Dominic or Lukas to defend a full-back. It’s good that we can do both. They have both been fit for a while.”

Regardless, not playing both strikers from the off against Brentford could come back to haunt Farke, whose side are teetering just three points above the relegation zone.

Nmecha in numbers at Leeds

Admittedly, Nmecha was woeful against Crystal Palace last time out, but he deserves another shot on Saturday, if only to help ease the burden on Calvert-Lewin.

The latter has scored one goal in nine and is snatching at his chances, while the fact that he must also be a creator is pulling him away from the zones where he is most dangerous.

Nmecha’s numbers are superb and prove he needs a run of games.

• Nmecha has scored six Premier League goals this season.
• He has played just 824 minutes in the top-flight.
• The ace averages a league goal every 137 minutes.

Farke does have another option, with Noah Okafor available after returning from injury, but he would do well to put his trust in Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha first.