Dan James must return to Leeds United starting XI v Huddersfield Town as weakness spotted
Leeds United will be keen to forget their midweek trip to Stoke City, where Daniel Farke’s side ended a three-game winning run with a 1-0 defeat to the Potters.
The biggest talking point from Wednesday’s (25 October) defeat was Patrick Bamford’s costly penalty miss, with the former England international smashing his spot-kick over the bar only five minutes before Pascal Struijk turned into his own net.
But Bamford wasn’t the only player to have a bad evening against Alex Neil’s side, with Wilfried Gnonto also struggling in his first start in nearly a month as he replaced Dan James on the right wing, but against Huddersfield on Saturday (28 October) the Welshman has to return.
Huddersfield have had issues at left-back according to a report from Yorkshire Live (27 October), with Cardiff City targeting the left side of the Terriers’ defence during their 4-0 win on Tuesday (24 October).
Discussing Darren Moore’s selection problem, Steven Chicken wrote: “Moore now has a decision to make about whether he sticks with a back three or switches to a four from the start. If it’s the former, then who starts at left wing-back to ensure adequate support is provided?
“And if it’s the latter, then which of his three centre-backs he is going to leave out?”
Given the uncertainty on the left side of the defence, Leeds have to ensure that they have their best-attacking talent stationed on the right of their attacking midfield and so far this season that has been James rather than Gnonto or Jaidon Anthony.
The 25-year-old has been in inspired form since returning to Elland Road from his season-long loan with Fulham last year, scoring once and assisting a further four times in only eight Championship starts this season and has consistently caused defenders plenty of problems.
According to James’ Fbref scouting report (27 October), he currently sits in the 99 percentile of Championship wingers this season for assists per 90 minutes and expected assisted goals per game, meaning he is one of the division’s most creative players.
In addition, the Welsh international lies in the 90th percentile for progressive carries per game as he loves to run at his full-back and utilise his explosive pace, which could be a huge bonus for Leeds United against Huddersfield’s makeshift backline.
With the quick turnaround between Farke’s side’s clash with Stoke and the Terriers, the German is likely to make changes to his side at Elland Road and hopefully one of those recalled will be James.
In other Leeds United news, David Prutton has predicted the result of the Whites’ clash with Huddersfield this weekend