Leeds United team news v Sunderland as Daniel Farke ‘Red Zone’ emerges
Daniel Farke has admitted to keeping an eye on his ill players as Leeds United could face Sunderland without a natural left-back, according to Leeds Live.
Writing for the online news outlet on Tuesday [12 December], Beren Cross suggested that Farke may have one eye on “anyone in the red zone”, despite Patrick Bamford being the only player to be ruled out through sickness.
Some would expect that the injury to Jamie Shackleton could open the door for Tottenham Hotspur loanee Djed Spence to be handed his first start of the season.
However, Farke has his cards close to his chest, with a tough number of upcoming games anticipated to affect Farke’s lineups over the next few weeks.
“Daniel Farke pushed back at the suggestion his only routes were Spence, Archie Gray or Luke Ayling, in his pre-match Leeds United press conference,” Cross wrote.
“Ilia Gruev has played on the left of a back three with Bulgaria this season, while Pascal Struijk played there extensively last season.
“The tight turnaround from Saturday’s win should not be overlooked either. Farke may well have a close eye on anyone in the red zone, especially when there are so many high-quality back-ups waiting in the wings, desperate for minutes.”
First appearance in three months
Understandably, Spence had a hard-hitting welcome back after three months on the sidelines. The 23-year-old came on against Blackburn Rovers for the final 20 minutes, being dispossessed twice and winning just 33 per cent of the ground duels he entered. [FotMob]
He did, however, win 100 per cent of his tackles and maintained an 86 per cent successful pass rate. Shackleton’s injury should allow Spence to improve on this, making what would be his first start since 25 March for England U21s against France.
It may not be that simple, though. Farke could look at different options if he decided Spence is not up to the task against Sunderland’s Jack Clarke. Gruev and Struijk are perfectly comfortable in the right-back position.
The only hitch with deploying Struijk anywhere other than centre-back, Farke could change the formation to a back three to accommodate him. The worry is that this would disrupt Leeds’ momentum, trying to play a different way when the Whites have been in fine form all season.
Leeds’ victory at Ewood Park on Saturday marked their seventh consecutive unbeaten game, winning six and drawing once since a 1-0 loss to Stoke City at the end of October. Fans are unlikely to want a change to the centre-back duo of Joe Rodon and Struijk that kept a clean sheet against Leicester City.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared Daniel Farke’s transfer plans for January.