Farke axes Meslier in four major changes – Leeds United predicted XI v Luton
Daniel Farke could make some ruthless decisions as his out-of-form Leeds United side head to Luton Town this weekend in the Championship.
Luton may be the side who occupied the Premier League more recently, but the Hatters are in stark danger of a double relegation – while Leeds fans have become restless with an all-too-familiar end-of-season pattern threatening to emerge.
Saturday’s contest at Kenilworth Road (5 April) therefore provides a huge platform for both sides, with three points absolutely crucial.
Farke to drop Meslier and three others
This could finally be the fixture when Farke elects to axe Illan Meslier and opt for Karl Darlow between the sticks.
It would be a bold call either way, but the German has to back his convictions and put faith in his substitute stopper for the whole run-in if he looks to make a change, such are the stakes at this point in the campaign.
Darlow could replace Meslier as much as Willy Gnonto could finally replace Brenden Aaronson. It was each of the duo who scored at Elland Road against Swansea City last Saturday (29 March) but Aaronson has been in poor form for an extended period, while Gnonto continues to be denied a starting chance.
While Gnonto could alternatively come in on the left for an out-of-sorts Manor Solomon, it is likelier he will be a direct Aaronson replacement in the central attacking role.
Junior Firpo and Ao Tanaka were each benched for the Swansea clash as Farke cited their respective international commitments just days prior, in the Caribbean and the Far East. They should come back in, replacing Sam Byram and Joe Rothwell.
Joel Piroe should continue to spearhead the attack with Ethan Ampadu captaining the side, as the rest of the starting XI from the Swansea clash continue and look to turn around a drab record of one win in five.
Leeds United have one last chance under Farke
It is understandable really how Farke is tentative about dropping players who aren’t delivering for him, but crucially have done previously.
It comes across risk-averse, but the manager knows any disastrous decisions and he is playing a dangerous game of roulette on promotion.
Should he not achieve his remit within two seasons, it is likely Paraag Marathe and the 49ers Enterprises will lose patience and look elsewhere for a managerial appointment.
| POS | Championship 2024-25 | PLD | PTS | GD |
| 1 | Sheffield United | 39 | 83 | +27 |
| 2 | LEEDS UNITED | 39 | 81 | +51 |
| 3 | Burnley | 39 | 81 | +42 |
Farke is well aware, though knows what it takes to reach the Premier League given his two successes with Norwich City.
It is a gamble either way – and it’s time for Leeds to deliver, because Sheffield United and Burnley don’t look as if they’re going to stop.