Ao Tanaka recalled, last chance for Joel Piroe – Leeds United predicted XI vs Norwich City
Ao Tanaka could be one of the eight players to come back into the team for Leeds’ FA Cup fifth-round clash with Norwich on Sunday.
The Whites need to bounce back from their recent losses in LS11 with an improved performance at Elland Road.
Although they have started to stutter in the Premier League, Leeds should be confident of reaching the quarter-finals when they take on the Canaries.
After a physically taxing week of football, Daniel Farke will definitely make wholesale changes, with Tanaka surely set to be one of those to return to the side.
Ao Tanaka to replace Ilia Gruev in mass Leeds changes
After becoming a hero in the Championship-winning campaign, Farke hasn’t trusted Tanaka to perform at the same level in the Premier League.
The Japan international has been left on the bench multiple times this season, with Ilia Gruev being preferred in midfield.
Not only have the Bulgarian’s performances dropped off in recent weeks, but Tanaka is long overdue for a start in the team.
| Stat | Tanaka |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 2 |
Tanaka was linked with a move away from Leeds in January, and as his long-term future remains uncertain, these are the sorts of games that Farke should be trusting him in.
Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe are also expected to be given minutes in attack, while Daniel James could replace Jayden Bogle on the right-hand side.
Sean Longstaff could come in for Ethan Ampadu, while Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw could take over from Joe Rodon and James Justin in defence.
The final change would see Lucas Perri resume his role as the second-choice goalkeeper, with Karl Darlow making way.
Why Norwich match could be last chance for Joel Piroe
Having scored 19 goals in the Championship last season, Piroe would have thought he could have a starring role for the Whites in the top flight.
However, the 26-year-old has made only two Premier League starts, and it’s safe to say that Farke doesn’t trust him to lead the line.
Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Norwich could give him an opportunity to prove his worth, but it might be his last chance in LS11.
If Leeds are knocked out, then it looks unlikely that he will feature in any of the remaining Premier League games.
And if they advance to the quarter-finals, then Farke will probably go full-strength for that match.
Therefore, it is now or never for Piroe, and a poor performance could lead to his exit in the summer.
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