Daniel Farke leaves Leeds fans ecstatic after what he’s done ahead of Man United clash
Ilia Gruev has been rightfully named in Leeds United’s starting line-up for Sunday’s mouth-watering clash versus Manchester United at Elland Road.
Leeds are flying in the Premier League as they look to go seven games unbeaten against a Man United side they haven’t defeated since the famous FA Cup triumph in 2010.
Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk, and Sebastiaan Bornauw are selected again in central defence, with Gabriel Gudmundsson and James Justin starting as wing-backs.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in red-hot form for the Whites, and he returns to the start XI after being named on the bench versus Liverpool time out. He is partnered up front by Noah Okafor.
Leeds have been prediced to lose Man United, with Gruev once more playing in defensive midfield for added solidity as Farke makes two changes to his starting lineup.
Ilia Gruev starts at the heart of midfield, Daniel Farke makes two changes
The big news before the match was that Ethan Ampadu is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in Leeds’ 0-0 draw with Liverpool.
Okafor replaces the captain after being rested at Anfield on Thursday, with Brenden Aaronson dropping much deeper to allow for the Swiss forward to start up front at Elland Road.
As a result, the midfield consists of Anton Stach, Aaronson, and Gruev, with the latter playing centrally, just in front of the defence.
| Stat | Gruev |
| Appearances | 10 |
| Pass accuracy | 91.5% |
| Ground duels won | 55.8% |
| Aerial duels won | 50% |
Gruev was excellent alongside Arne Slot’s side, and being left-footed means he holds extra value and provides balance to the midfield.
The 25-year-old has often been happy to play his part as a squad player for the Peacocks, but his presence replacing Ampadu will be key to the outcome of the match.
No other player in the squad is better suited to fulfilling that role, and fans will be excited to see how he dictates the tempo of the match.
Apart from Okafor’s introduction into the team in place of Ampadu, Farke’s only other change is to bring Calvert-Lewin back into the fold for Lukas Nmecha.
The Peacocks have been superb at home this season, and they will be itching to put one over their fierce rivals from across the Pennines.
Noah Okafor has the perfect chance to finally get himself on the scoresheet
Switzerland international Okafor has only scored twice in a Leeds shirt, with his last goal coming in the 2-1 loss to Tottenham on 4 October.
Facing up against Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, and Leny Yoro, Okafor can cause them problems with his pace and runs in behind.
Eleven games have passed since he last found the back of the net, and with Nmecha now fit, he certainly faces tough competition to be named ahead of him in the team.
Okafor has a great opportunity to put his woes in the final third behind him and stamp his name on the teamsheet for upcoming matches with an effective performance against Man United.
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