Daniel Farke would be mad not to start this Leeds United star vs Aston Villa after staggering stat reveal
Daniel James is yet to return to the Leeds United starting line-up despite returning from injury in October.
But with Leeds set to face Aston Villa at Elland Road on Sunday, Daniel Farke may recall the winger into the XI.
Brenden Aaronson has featured in the 28-year-old’s absence, but the United States international has failed to impress.
And after James scored for Wales against North Macedonia on Tuesday, it would appear the perfect time to bring him back into the fold.
Villa are the favourites to beat Leeds, who have lost four of their last five games in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke must take note of stunning Daniel James stat
Farke is under huge pressure at Leeds, with the Whites facing an extremely difficult run of fixtures in the Premier League.
Games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool follow the Villa clash, with the German surely feeling the weight of expectation.
| Leeds United – fixtures | Date |
| Aston Villa (H) | 23 Nov |
| Manchester City (A) | 29 Nov |
| Chelsea (H) | 3 Dec |
| Liverpool (H) | 6 Dec |
| Brentford (A) | 14 Dec |
The saving grace for both Farke and Leeds is that three of the four games are to be played at Elland Road.
The Whites have lost just one Premier League game at home this season, compared to the five they have lost on the road.
And if the Leeds boss is looking to utilise that home advantage even more, he would do right by starting James.
According to Jonny Cooper, Leeds are unbeaten in their last 33 matches at Elland Road when James has started, with the winger scoring 15 in those matches.
That is the longest unbeaten run by a player in the starting XI at Elland Road, since Eddie Gray‘s 40-match run between 1971 and 1975.
- Read more: Daniel Farke reveals good news, but Dan James miracle not expected – Leeds team news vs Aston Villa
Farke plays down prospect of starting James
Farke spoke about James in his pre-match press conference on Friday. The German said: “We still can’t expect miracles anyhow.
“I watched him closely each and every training session. I know what he’s doing. He’s building some confidence and rhythm.”
Farke’s words would appear to play down the chance of James starting against Villa, but the former Norwich manager must be aware that desperation is creeping in.
At the moment, Farke needs any help he can get, and if there is a chance that starting James can get Leeds back to a positive place, he has to take it.
If not, his job hangs in the balance and at the mercy of the next four games.
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