Daniel Farke ‘decision on Joe Rothwell set’ for QPR v Leeds United
David Prutton believes that Daniel Farke has already made his decision on Joe Rothwell as Leeds United face QPR in the Championship on Saturday.
Loftus Road will host Farke’s team on 15 March as the visitors will look to cement their place at the top of the table.
The Whites beat Millwall 2-0 at Elland Road in their previous fixture on 12 March to retain the lead in the Championship.
Ao Tanaka and Rothwell shone for the Peacocks at home against Alex Neil’s team, and the midfield duo are expected to start once again in West London.
Rothwell to start for Leeds United against QPR
Rothwell will start for the West Yorkshire outfit if he’s fit enough against QPR, Prutton says.
The Sky Sports pundit has branded the partnership between the Englishman and Tanaka as one of the best this season.
Prutton believes the Bournemouth loanee’s set-piece deliveries are a real threat when the Peacocks attack, and while Farke has been reluctant to start him away from home, the 30-year-old is expected to be on the pitch at kick-off at Loftus Road.
| Championship Appearances (2024/25) | Goals | Assists |
| 34 | 0 | 4 |
Speaking to Football League World (14 March), the Sky Sports pundit said: “Farke has been reluctant to use Rothwell in midfield for Leeds away from home.
“I think he does start if he’s fit enough to face QPR. Between himself and Tanaka, they are up there with one of the best midfield partnerships we’ve seen over the course of this season.
“Those fears of when Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev were injured earlier in the season have been firmly put to bed by a side who have led the way, even though they have teams absolutely snapping at their heels.
“Rothwell’s set-piece delivery is a real vital threat in the way Leeds attack the opposition. He ticks so many boxes, so he starts against QPR for me.”
Leeds lucky to have Rothwell and Tanaka partnership
Ampadu has been injury-prone at Elland Road this season, while Gruev found himself on the sidelines for a considerable period at the start of the season.
The West Yorkshire outfit’s supporters were justified to fear for their prospects with two of their most important players unavailable.
Rothwell and Tanaka have allayed those fears with their performances this season, and the Whites can undoubtedly be proud of their recruitment last summer.
The Englishman signed on a season-long loan from the Cherries, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Farke pushing to keep him at Elland Road beyond the current campaign.
As things stand, the Peacocks are seen as favourites to win automatic promotion to the Premier League.
There’s still a long way to go in the season, though, with only four points separating the Whites and third-place Burnley.
The West Yorkshire outfit will need to be at their best until the end of the campaign to secure the top spot in the Championship, and Rothwell will arguably be essential in their hopes to do so.