Dominic Calvert-Lewin dilemma emerges for Daniel Farke ahead of Leeds vs Norwich
Daniel Farke has good reason to utilise Dominic Calvert-Lewin against Norwich this weekend.
Leeds’ defeat at home to Sunderland last weekend has completely shifted the perspective at Elland Road, with the Whites going from having the possibility of moving nine points clear of the bottom three to being just three points above it.
Had the former happened, then the Whites would have had no reason to look at this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Norwich as anything other than a chance to have a real go at winning a trophy, but the latter has changed that.
Not only will it have changed how Farke approaches the game, but it may also have cast some doubt in his mind as to whether or not Calvert-Lewin should feature.
And there’s a case to be made for either decision.
Should Dominic Calvert-Lewin start vs Norwich?
It’s a decision to be made by Farke, and certainly not one that I envy.
Calvert-Lewin has scored just once for Leeds this year, showcasing the struggles he has started to find in front of goal.
The chance to lead the line against a mid-table Championship side could be what he needs to rediscover his goalscoring form and get the confidence back that saw him score seven goals in six Premier League appearances in a row.
However, on the flip side, the Englishman is still going to be the key to Leeds’ survival chances this season, and whether Farke wants to risk him for the FA Cup is bound to spark some uncertainty.
Leeds have won just one of their last eight across all competitions inside 90 minutes, and the chance to end that run may prove too good to turn down.
Daniel Farke must show backbone vs Norwich, this is how he can
If Leeds suffer defeat against Norwich this weekend, it will amplify the concerns tenfold, and Farke can’t allow that to happen.
While many see it as a distraction now, the Whites have to get back to winning ways and get back to the confidence levels that had them looking nailed on for safety.
If that requires a full-strength lineup, then so be it; Leeds simply can’t afford to lose a third game in a row at Elland Road.
The Whites have a week’s break before they return to Premier League action after this game, giving Farke little to no reason to have to rotate heavily.
For more on Leeds and their FA Cup run, check out Football Insider for news and updates.