Leeds early team news v Oxford: Farke shares Dan James update, another confirmed out
Leeds United are looking to strengthen their grip on an automatic promotion spot when they travel to Oxford United on Friday.
The Whites added a valuable three points to their tally when they beat Preston 2-1 at Elland Road on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Manor Solomon and Jayden Bogle.
Daniel Farke’s men hold a vital five-point cushion over third-place Sheffield United, as Chris Wilder’s men have lost each of their last three Championship fixtures.
But after enduring a poor run of form before their victory over Middlesbrough on 8 April, the West Yorkshire giants will be keen to avoid any further slip-ups with just four games left to play.
Farke provides Joe Rothwell and Dan James updates ahead of Oxford clash
Amid the Championship’s busy Easter weekend schedule, the Elland Road club host Stoke on Monday, just three days on from their trip to Oxford.
Ahead of two vital fixtures, Farke shared a team news update at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday (16 April).
Farke confirmed that 30-year-old midfielder Joe Rothwell will miss both Easter Weekend matches, while Dan James is touch-and-go to face Oxford.
“Rothwell will miss these weekend games,” Farke told reporters. “We hope to have him in [the] final home game.
“For Dan James, it’s slightly better. We will definitely have him available for the Monday game. If he can play on Friday, it’s a late decision. It’s pretty likely he will be involved on Monday. We will take decision tomorrow.”
Leeds should beat Oxford on Good Friday
It will come as a blow to Leeds if both Rothwell and James miss out on Friday’s trip to Oxford, as the Wales international is a doubt and the former Blackburn man is guaranteed to be absent.
| Opponent | Result |
| Swansea (H) | 2-2 D |
| Luton (A) | 1-1 D |
| Middlesbrough (A) | 0-1 W |
| Preston (H) | 2-1 W |
But even without that duo, the Whites should have enough quality at their disposal to get the better of an Oxford side who are still battling against the threat of relegation.
Before their victory over Middlesbrough, Farke’s side endured a poor run in which they managed just one win in six outings, but the Elland Road side now look on course to book their spot in next season’s Premier League, and should win against Gary Rowett’s men.
The Whites could be leapfrogged by second-place Burnley on Friday, as the Clarets face Watford on Friday afternoon before Farke and Co. take on Oxford in the evening.
Sheffield United can also reduce the gap between themselves and Leeds with a victory before the West Yorkshire club’s encounter with Oxford gets underway.
However, the Whites should be able to deal with the pressure and get themselves over the line against inferior opponents.