Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Fri 3 April 2026 20:10, UK

Daniel Farke has no reason to name Dan James in his starting 11 for Leeds United on Sunday.

The Whites are just 90 minutes away from a date at Wembley, albeit in an FA Cup semi-final, but they will have to overcome West Ham to achieve that.

With both sides in the midst of a relegation battle that looks set to go down to the wire, both managers would be well within their rights to make changes to ensure that their strongest team is available for Premier League action.

As for Leeds, Farke could recall James to his starting 11, but for several reasons, the German must avoid making that call.

Dan James’ record vs West Ham examined

James’ record at Leeds in general this season is poor, with the Welshman having failed to register a goal or an assist in the 17 games he has played across all competitions.

And unfortunately for Leeds, his record against West Ham see him with an identical return.

The Welshman has faced off against the Hammers on eight different occasions, while having suffered defeat four times.

To make matters worse, James has failed to get a goal or an assist in any of those games, making West Ham the only team he has faced more than five times in his career without a goal or assist.

While Farke may be tempted to give him a chance after James scored for Wales in the international break, it would make very little sense to do so.

Wilfried Gnonto call would be smarter by Daniel Farke

If Farke is to make changes, then the reintroduction of Wilfried Gnonto should be one of them.

The Italian has played just 31 minutes of Premier League football since the end of January, with his only two starts since then having come in the FA Cup.

That may put him in good standing to start the clash at the London Stadium, and with it being the frist tie against a Premier League opposition, it may be the perfect chance to showcase his ability against a side of a similar quality.

If he can do that, then we may well see far more of him between now and the end of the campaign.