Leeds predicted XI vs Liverpool: Daniel Farke to start forgotten man amid crisis, three changes
Leeds United welcome Liverpool to Elland Road on Saturday, but Daniel Farke could be forced into several changes.
The Whites have now moved themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone after Wednesday night’s 3-1 win over Chelsea.
Jaka Bijol’s goal opened the scoring for Leeds with a powerful header, before Ao Tanaka’s superb strike doubled their advantage.
Pedro Neto gave Chelsea hope with a neat finish just after half-time, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin tapped into an empty net on 72 minutes to secure all three points for Farke’s side.
Daniel Farke forced into unwanted changes vs Liverpool
Farke remains under sack pressure going into the game against Liverpool on 6 December, but another famous win at Elland Road would surely quell any talk of his dismissal.
However, it has been revealed that both Lukas Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin are big doubts for Leeds heading into the weekend.
Nmecha was taken off midway through the second half against Chelsea as he was struggling with a hamstring problem, and he could now be forced to sit out the Liverpool clash.
Calvert-Lewin played 86 minutes against Enzo Maresca’s side, but there are concerns about the centre-forward’s calf.
With such a quick turnaround ahead of the Liverpool game, Farke could be forced to start with a front two of Noah Okafor and Joel Piroe.
Piroe has struggled for minutes so far this season and looks set to depart Leeds in January, but may get a rare chance to prove himself against Arne Slot’s side.
Elsewhere, Ao Tanaka will likely be given a rest, with Ilia Gruev coming in as his replacement in the centre of midfield.
Leeds cannot afford injuries to Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha
It is no coincidence that Leeds have looked like a completely different team since Farke threw Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha up front together at half-time against Man City.
The pair have worked so well as a duo, not just providing the Whites with an outlet on the ball, but also pressing and closing down defenders out of possession.
Farke could be tempted to risk both Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha for the game against Liverpool, as his job is still very much on the line, but it could ruin Leeds’ whole season.
If one of the centre-forwards were to pick up a big injury, then the Elland Road outfit could struggle to properly utilise their newfound 5-3-2 system.
Instead, Farke should bite the bullet at the weekend and rest his two strikers ahead of the busy Christmas period.
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