Ao Tanaka axed as Joel Piroe decision made – Leeds United confirmed XI v Stoke
Daniel Farke has named his Leeds United starting line-up to face Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.
Leeds are out to make it four Championship wins from their past five fixtures as they look to keep pace at the summit.
Farke has named Ao Tanaka among the subs for the contest with Stoke, as confirmed by the club’s official X account [26 December].
Tanaka, who has made 19 league appearances for Leeds this season, is replaced by Ethan Ampadu in holding midfield.
Joel Piroe retains his place up top, meanwhile, flanked by Daniel James and Manor Solomon, with Brenden Aaronson playing centrally.
Leeds United in great form
Drawing 1-1 at Preston North End has been the only blip in December so far, but even that was a positive point in the circumstances.
The automatic promotion battle will be relentless right until the end of the campaign and it is important Leeds do not slip-up against Stoke.
Burnley were 2-0 winners at Sheffield United earlier on Boxing Day and that means Leeds enter this contest in third place.
However, a victory would lift Farke’s side above both Burnley and Sheffield United to the top of the division, above the latter on goal difference.
The games really do come thick and fast at this time of the year, so it perhaps makes sense for Farke to rotate Tanaka out of the side.
At the same time, having seen such a well-balanced midfield display last time out, the German knows questions will be asked if Leeds do not return from the bet365 Stadium with maximum points.
In other Leeds United news, an Ethan Ampadu transfer claim has been made.
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