Leeds United confirmed XI v Norwich City: Joel Piroe call made, 1st leg starter ruled out
Daniel Farke has named his Leeds United starting line-up for the second leg of the Championship playoff semi-finals against Norwich City at Elland Road, making one change from the first leg.
The club revealed on their official X account [16 May] that Joel Piroe has come into the side for Sam Byram, who misses out altogether.
The change has prompted a reshuffle, with Archie Gray returning to right-back from midfield and Georginio Rutter dropping into an attacking midfield berth.
Joe Gelhardt was not part of the matchday squad for last week’s first leg, but is named among the substitutes today. Charlie Cresswell is also on the bench despite an earlier car accident.
Leeds United cannot afford to miss out on Premier League promotion
Leeds will want to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking for many reasons, both sporting and emotional.
However, arguably the most pressing motivation they have is, in fact, financial.
Amid reports that the club will have to sell £100million worth of players in order to stay in line with spending rules should they remain in the Championship for another season – when their parachute payments take a 10 per cent hit – it is no exaggeration to say that Leeds may not be able to afford missing out on Premier League promotion.
Thankfully, they find themselves in a reasonably advantageous position. Farke set up to keep things tight in the first leg at his old stomping ground, Carrow Road, and has brought a serviceable – if dull – 0-0 draw back to Elland Road.
With the home crowd roaring them on, Leeds will hope to claim victory on home soil and book their spot at Wembley against one of West Brom or Southampton.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has revealed the “oldest prank” played on Whites players before their first-leg clash with Norwich.
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