Daniel Farke makes Willy Gnonto call – Leeds United confirmed XI v Sunderland
Daniel Farke has made a big decision on Wilfried Gnonto in his Leeds United team to take on Sunderland.
The Whites are set to host the Black Cats in a top-of-the-table Championship clash at Elland Road on Monday 16 February.
A different referee is set to take charge in West Yorkshire after a last-minute change [Adam Pope].
However, Farke won’t have any interest in who is officiating this match, but will instead focus on getting his players ready as they look to prove Gabriel Agbonlahor wrong and secure one of the biggest wins of their season thus far.
Daniel Farke makes no changes for Leeds United v Sunderland
Leeds’ team is unchanged from the 4-0 Championship win over Watford at Vicarage Road on Tuesday (11 February).
That means Gnonto has once again been named on the bench as the Italian continues to miss out on the starting lineup in the Championship, with Pascal Struijk also only named among the substitutes.
However, after their emphatic win against the Hornets, Farke will likely feel confident with his team.
Leeds United can take one step closer to the Premier League
Farke would have been frustrated after missing out on promotion at the first time of asking with Leeds.
However, the German looks well-placed to secure the Whites’ return to England’s top flight in his second season at Elland Road, and a win against Sunderland would move them a big step closer.
Victory on Monday would take Leeds back to the top of the Championship and see them move seven points clear of third-placed Burnley.
Therefore, it is likely to be a noisy atmosphere at Elland Road against Sunderland in what could prove to be one of the most important, and exciting, Championship games of the season.
Three points are also especially important considering Sunderland are currently in fourth place, just seven points behind their hosts tonight.
A win would open the door ever so slightly to the top two for the Black Cats. As a result, Farke and his players will be keen to ensure they slam that door shut and move 10 points clear of their visitors.