Farke makes Dan James call as Leeds United XI confirmed v Stoke City
Leeds United could seal their promotion back to the Premier League today as they take on Stoke City at Elland Road.
Leeds can secure promotion from the Championship if they beat Stoke, and Sheffield United fail to beat Burnley later on in the day.
Daniel Farke’s side have endured a roller-coaster season in which their promotion push nearly faltered in recent months, but now appear set to return to the top flight for the first time since 2023.
Farke has sprung a surprise in his team selection for the game, which Leeds fans will hope does not backfire over the course of the 90 minutes.
Leeds confirmed XI v Stoke City
Farke has now confirmed his lineup to face Stoke in what could be a monumental day at Elland Road.
Dan James came off the bench against Oxford United on Friday, as the winger returned from injury just in time for the final few games.
However, the Welshman has now been omitted from the squad, with the 27-year-old clearly not ready to face Stoke despite the importance of the game.
| Stats (Championship) | James |
| Matches | 35 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Minutes played | 2,606 |
Sixteen-year-old Harry Gray has taken James’ place on the bench, with the winger set to miss out entirely as his teammates aim to seal a massive victory.
Gray has yet to make a senior appearance for Leeds, but that could change against Stoke.
Manor Solomon and Willy Gnonto have lined up on the wings instead, with Joel Piroe leading the line in an unchanged starting lineup from the game at the Kassam Stadium.
Leeds will miss James against Stoke
Many would have hoped that James would be fit to start against Stoke, but to not even have him on the bench is a big blow for Farke’s side.
James has been outstanding this season, scoring 12 times and providing nine assists in 36 Championship matches, with his speed and finishing a particularly useful asset.
Solomon performed well at Oxford as he netted the winner, while Gnonto is also a useful option in attack, but Leeds would certainly be much stronger if they had James available.
James will have to watch from the sidelines as his teammates aim to make history at Elland Road, and he may be gutted that he is not part of the team in what could be a day which is remembered for a long time.