Leeds United gameplan to go out the window vs Sunderland as injury fears emerge
Sunderland could be without one of their most important players for Tuesday’s clash at Elland Road.
Last season’s victory at home to Sunderland felt very significant, and Tuesday’s clash will hold almost just as much importance, albeit for a very different meaning.
A win for the Whites would see them go nine points clear of the relegation zone ahead of the final nine games of the season, and despite all of the media’s praise being focused on Sunderland, Leeds could also move within three points of them.
Leeds are unbeaten in their last 22 evening home encounters, giving them hope of taking all three points, and the latest injury rumours emerging from Wearside could also hand them a significant boost.
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Sunderland have new Robin Roefs fear
The Black Cats have had an excellent campaign, but they have had some horrid luck with injuries over the past few weeks, with several stars set to miss the clash at Elland Road.
Nordi Mukiele, Brian Brobbey, Reinildo, Dennis Cirkin and Jocelin Ta Bi are all ruled out, with rumours spreading like wildfire in regard to Robin Roefs joining that list.
The Dutchman has been one of, if not the best, goalkeepers in the Premier League this season, and while many have been looking to work out if the rumours are true, a decision made by Sunderland has again hinted towards it.
Young goalkeeper Dan Cameron has been recalled from his loan spell away from the Stadium of Light, and while a report from the Sunderland Echo states that he is due to sign for Boston United, many have put the pieces together.
But if Roefs is to miss the clash on Tuesday, it could see Leeds change the way they set about the game.
How would Robin Roefs absence impact Leeds?
Roefs missing the game would be a good thing for Leeds, but it may also change the way Daniel Farke approaches the clash.
The German will almost certainly have been expecting a cagey affair, and while that remains likely, the Whites must take note of the lack of experience in Roefs’ replacement, Melker Ellborg.
Ellborg joined Sunderland in the winter window as a replacement for Anthony Patterson, and has yet to make an appearance for the Black Cats.
A Premier League debut away to Leeds under the lights will be as intimidating as they come, and the Whites need to ensure that they put him under as much pressure as possible.
Farke will certainly have been looking for a cautious approach against Regis Le Bris’ side, but that may change if the Roefs rumours prove to be true.
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