Daniel Farke gamble has backfired, Leeds United boss must take action at HT vs Preston North End
Daniel Farke named the same Leeds United starting line-up for a fourth Championship game running for Tuesday’s (26 December) clash with Preston North End.
The German stuck with the same XI at Deepdale, despite the games coming thick and fast over the Christmas and New Year period.
However, that gamble did not pay off in the first half of the contest at Preston, with Leeds struggling to click into gear for the majority of the goalless opening 45 minutes.
Arguably the worst performer of the lot in a disjointed display was winger Daniel James, who had just 17 touches of the ball before half-time and did not register any key passes [Sofascore].
The former Swansea City player also failed to register any successful crosses, while his only shot was blocked.
James has been superb this season, but he was the weakest of the attacking four in the 4-0 win over Ipswich Town and his place in the XI was most at threat coming into this contest.
The Wales international looks in need of a breather, and it is surprising that has not happened despite Farke having the likes of Jaidon Anthony and Wilfried Gnonto chomping at the bit.
James was not alone in struggling to get going at Deepdale, but Crysencio Summerville and Joel Piroe did get on the ball more often, while Georginio Rutter showed some occasional promising hold-up play.
Leeds have plenty of squad depth, and this is the exact time Farke has to make full use of what he has available to him.
With games against West Brom and Birmingham City still to come over the next week, Farke cannot afford to be too loyal to certain players.
And with no margin for error as Leeds attempt to chase down Ipswich, some brutal decisions – such as hauling off a player at half-time – has to be taken at times.
In other Leeds United news, Ray Parlour sent a “pressure” message to the Whites and Ipswich ahead of the match at Deepdale.