Leeds United desperate for Dan James return ahead of Leeds United v Sheffield United. Credit: Imago

Leeds United desperate for Dan James return v Sheffield United, could be lucky charm

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

07 Oct 2024, 6:10 am

Daniel Farke could welcome Dan James back to the starting XI as Leeds United prepare to face Sheffield United after the international break.

The Whites head into the two-week break off the back of a frustrating 2-2 draw with Sunderland, with Illan Meslier conceding a 97th-minute howler at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats remain at the top of the Championship table, but now Farke is up against another difficult challenge in the Blades, who are only second in the table due to goal difference.

Looking at the history between the two sides, it is extremely difficult to predict who could claim all three points when they meet at Elland Road, but the latest injury news might hand Leeds an important boost.

Farke could see both James and Manor Solomon back from injury, according to Leeds Live [7 October], which could ease the crisis at Elland Road after Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev's blows.

Dan James a lucky charm ahead of Leeds United v Sheffield United?

The Welshman is yet to face the Blades in a Leeds shirt, though he has faced them on three separate occasions during his time with Manchester United and Swansea City [Transfermarkt].

He has never been on the losing side on those three occasions, even assisting one of the goals in Man United's 3-3 draw with the now-Championship side during the 2019/20 season.

Farke could do with some good news following the Sunderland draw, especially given the injury blows to two of his most important stars, and James could offer that to him.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke

Sadly for the 26-year-old, he has been unable to continue his incredible form from last season, notching 13 goals and seven assists in the Championship, having been sidelined recently.

While Largie Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto have been impressing on the flanks, Leeds look to be lacking a little dynamism in the final third, a problem which could be solved by welcoming the winger back.

In other Leeds United news, Chris Sutton ripped a player to shreds after what happened v Sunderland.

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