Farke to ‘finally axe Joel Piroe’ to seal promotion – Leeds predicted XI v Stoke
Daniel Farke could drop the hammer on Joel Piroe and make two changes to his starting lineup to confirm promotion for Leeds United against Stoke City on Easter Monday.
Leeds remained on top of the Championship table after earning a 1-0 victory over Oxford at the Kassam Stadium on Friday (18 April), courtesy of Manor Solomon’s first-half goal.
With only three more games left to play, the Whites are on the verge of sealing automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Farke’s side could confirm their place in the top flight as early as Monday (21 April) if they win their match against Stoke at Elland Road and Sheffield United drops points against second-placed Burnley at Turf Moor.
Farke to start Patrick Bamford v Stoke
The quick turnaround of the games means that Farke has to ensure his players recover in time for the clash with Stoke.
The German tactician has been reluctant to make wholesale changes to his starting lineup, and that is not expected to change on Monday, despite promotion being all but confirmed.
That is not to say Farke will not make any changes at all, as we could finally see him drop Piroe, who has gone nine Championship games without scoring a goal.
The Dutchman has been a big-name player for Farke, having started in 33 of the Peacocks’ league games this term.
| Minutes | Accurate Passes | Chances Created | Big Chances Created | Touches | Tackles Won | Ground Duels Won | Aerial Duels Won |
| 76′ | 16/21 (76%) | 2 | 1 | 31 | 2/2 | 2/4 (50%) | 4/12 (33%) |
This could allow Bamford to make his first league start of the season, having featured off the bench in each of Leeds’ last four games.
Dan James is also primed to return to the starting lineup for Wilfried Gnonto, who failed to take his chance against Oxford.
Alternatively, Farke could also bring Max Wober to the fold in place of Ilia Gruev, allowing Ethan Ampadu to push further up the pitch.
Leeds predicted XI v Stoke
Karl Darlow is expected to continue in goal after usurping Ilan Meslier, while Ampadu is likely to partner Joe Rodon, who was exceptional on Friday.
Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo are poised to keep their place in defence, although Sam Byram is an option to replace either of them.
Joe Rothwell’s absence means that Gruev and Ao Tanaka will probably continue in the double pivot.
Solomon will attack down the left-hand side after his goalscoring performance against Oxford, while James is likely to take his place on the right again.
If it were not for a lack of options, Brenden Aaronson would not have featured as often as he has this season, and it is not expected to change on Monday.
Finally, Bamford may lead the line for the Whites for the first time in the Championship this term.