Daniel Farke reveals his ‘special plan’ for Sunderland clash in Premier League
Leeds United face Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday 28 December as they look to continue their good form.
Daniel Farke’s side are on a four-game unbeaten run, which has propelled them six points clear of the relegation zone.
Leeds beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Elland Road last Saturday, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin grabbing a brace to extend his goalscoring streak.
However, the Whites face a tough test against Regis Le Bris’ side, as they travel to the Stadium of Light for a post-Christmas clash.
Daniel Farke preparing to ‘play differently’ against Sunderland
Leeds were superb in their win over Crystal Palace, switching formation in and out of possession in order to break through the Eagles’ backline.
Joe Rodon was utilised on the right of a back four when the West Yorkshire side had the ball, with the Whites then moving to a back five when Palace attacked.
Farke has been praised for his tactical flexibility in recent weeks, and the German boss will need to show similar quality as Leeds travel to Sunderland.
The Black Cats currently sit sixth in the Premier League, and have been the surprise package of the season under Le Bris.
Speaking ahead of the game, Farke revealed that Leeds were preparing a special plan for their game at the Stadium of Light.
He said: “It was complex against Palace because we played five at the back out of possession and four with it. It’s not often you do this. Sometimes you can overload players. But in order to score four goals, you need a different plan against them.”
“Against Sunderland, we also need a special plan. It will be a different game because they play differently. But we will try to find a good balance.”
Can Leeds overcome Sunderland?
In their recent derby day win over Newcastle United, Sunderland proved that they have the tools to deal with direct attacking play.
Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete have been an incredibly strong central defensive pairing over the past month, and come into the Leeds game off the back of two clean sheets.
Calvert-Lewin will believe that he can get the better of Ballard and Alderete, given his current form, but Farke will have to have an alternative strategy if the direct route is not working.
Sunderland are missing a host of key players due to the Africa Cup of Nations, so the Whites will hope that they can take advantage and put the pressure on early.
Away from home though, Farke may employ a slightly more defensive approach and aim to leave the Stadium of Light with a crucial point.
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