Daniel Farke could regret Ao Tanaka decision as Leeds United XI confirmed v Burnley
Daniel Farke has missed his opportunity to give new signing Ao Tanaka his debut as Leeds United prepare to face Burnley on Saturday (14 September).
Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev are set to continue as the midfielder partnership, having built a strong connection since last season, though many were expecting another new face in the lineup.
Farke has not been short of compliments for the Japanese international, especially after his “near-perfect” cameo against China during the international break [Football Zone].
The manager is not known for making many changes to his starting XI, and the proof is in the pudding as the side to face Burnley is unchanged from the 2-0 win over Hull City last month.
This sees shot-stopper Illan Meslier protected by Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Junior Firpo, with Ampadu and Gruev in front of them.
The attack consists of Brenden Aaronson, Manor Solomon, Wilfried Gnonto and Mateo Joseph, a lineup that was successful against the Tigers last time out.
Daniel Farke misses Ao Tanaka chance in Leeds United v Burnely
Leeds have taken eight points from their first four Championship fixtures, improving vastly from their opening-day 3-3 draw with Portsmouth before being knocked out of the EFL by Middlesbrough.
Of course, Farke will not want to mess with the lineup after three consecutive matches without a defeat and three clean sheets in the Championship.
However, Tanaka could have offered so much more in the midfield and helped Leeds to a victory against Scott Parker’s Clarets side, especially with Liam Cullen on the bench.
Farke will likely bring Tanaka onto the pitch as a substitute late in the game, especially if the Whites are holding onto a win, but he could have much more of an impact as a starting player and the manager could live to regret his decision.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke will taste transfer regret as footage emerges of what Leeds target did yesterday.
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