Leeds predicted XI vs Chelsea: Daniel Farke axes Willy Gnonto amid exit talk, three changes
Leeds United welcome high-flying Chelsea to Elland Road on Wednesday as their difficult run of Premier League games continues.
Last time out, Leeds were beaten 3-2 by Manchester City, with Phil Foden firing in a last-minute winner to keep Daniel Farke’s side in the relegation zone.
The Whites had gone 2-0 down at the Etihad Stadium, but second-half goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha turned the game on its head.
However, Foden’s stoppage-time strike means that Leeds have now lost four Premier League games in a row.
Daniel Farke to drop Willy Gnonto as Leeds exit rumours swirl
Leeds were applauded off the pitch after defeat to Man City, as a much-improved second-half performance gave the supporters something to smile about.
Farke made a tactical switch at half-time to combat City’s dominance, straying away from his beloved 4-3-3 and opting for a 5-3-2 formation, with Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha up front together.
The change had the desired effect, with both strikers finding the back of the net, and the German will likely stick with the successful set-up for the visit of Chelsea.
With Leeds switching to a back five, Jaka Bijol will come in as the central centre-back, with Willy Gnonto sacrificed.
Daniel James was taken off at half-time against Man City with a hamstring injury, but it is likely the Welshman would have been sacrificed for Calvert-Lewin anyway.
James Justin was also taken off during the trip to the Etihad, as his return from injury continues to be managed.
Gabriel Gudmundsson will likely replace the former England international at left-wing back, with the new system giving him more licence to bomb forward.
Willy Gnonto linked with Saudi Arabia move
Back in October, MOT Leeds News exclusively revealed that Saudi Pro League sides Neom and Al-Ittihad are interested in Gnonto.
With the attacker’s contract not expiring until the summer of 2028, the Elland Road outfit are under no pressure to sell, but the transfer talk may now be affecting his performances.
Gnonto was given a 2/10 rating for his dismal display against Man City, and Farke was equally unimpressed, hooking the Italian off at half-time.
The successful switch to a two-striker system is bad news for the 22-year-old, as he may now struggle to get back into the starting lineup.
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