Daniel Farke to make Mateo Joseph decision for Leeds United clash v Burnley
The “likelihood is” Daniel Farke will pick Mateo Joseph to lead the Leeds United attack against Burnley, according to Graham Smyth.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist reported on Monday (9 September) that the Whites boss is expected to start the Spanish youth international for Saturday’s (14 September) clash with the Clarets.
Joseph has started all four of Leeds’ opening games in the Championship, scoring twice and has also been in action during the international break as he came off of the bench to score against Scotland U21s on Friday (6 September).
The 20-year-old is expected to play some part for the Spanin’s U21s against Hungary on Tuesday (10 September) before returning to Thorp Arch to prepare for the clash with Scott Parker’s side.
Will Mateo Joseph be ready to play for Leeds United v Burnley?
While it may seem like a no-brainer for Farke to start Joseph against Burnley, it likely won’t be a straightforward decision for the German, especially because the forward has been away over the International break.
Joseph may not have played the full 90 minutes against Scotland, but he will have had a full week of intense training with his national side and will likely have a more extended role against Hungary on Tuesday.
At best, the 20-year-old will only be able to train with the Whites for three days before the early kick-off at Elland Road on Saturday, which could well tempt Farke into starting either Joel Piroe or potentially a fit again Patrick Bamford.
However, it seems as though the Leeds United boss is going to trust the system that served him so well before the international break and start Joseph from the off against a team that will challenge the Whites for a promotion place.
Hopefully, that decision will pay off and Leeds will find a way to claim all three points. Farke’s side clearly can’t win promotion in September, but a win over the Clarets would be an excellent return to action.
In other Leeds United news, an update around the fitness of Dan James has emerged at Elland Road ahead of the clash with Burnley
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