Leeds United confirmed XI v Norwich City: Joel Piroe dropped, Archie Gray call made
Daniel Farke has named his Leeds United team for the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final at Norwich City, making one change from last weekend’s loss to Southampton.
As posted by Leeds United FC on X [12 May], Farke has opted to make a solitary change, as Archie Gray is given a start ahead of the benched Joel Piroe, who has played 42 times in the league this season and scored against Southampton last time out.
Georginio Rutter could lead the line at Carrow Road in the Dutchman’s absence, as Farke names an unchanged back four, with the sitting duo of Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara continuing in their places.
Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto are joined by teenage sensation Gray in an expected three behind Rutter.
Dan James is back in the squad after an injury setback, taking his place on the bench.
Leeds United must forget shaky run of form
The important factor from a Leeds perspective heading into the first leg in Norfolk is altering their mindset back to what makes Daniel Farke’s side a brute force in the Championship.
Farke has been labelled as putting a “brave face” on ahead of the play-offs, with Leeds’ sketchy form denying the club an automatic promotion place.
The Whites can either take confidence from the fact they have emerged victorious from five of their last six against Norwich, including the last four; or they can concentrate on the “form out the window for the play-offs” narrative – whichever suits Farke’s team better psychologically.
Having previously earned two promotions during his time with their opponents, Farke knows what it takes, and has an expensive array of talent at his disposal.
Leeds would be content with a draw at Carrow Road, ready to be buoyed by a nervous but electric Elland Road atmosphere in the second leg.
In other Leeds news, an international player at Elland Road is set for a permanent departure.
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