Leeds United might finally be onto number 10 some called for in the summer after bold call paid off.
It’s been a long time coming for some fans.
Leeds United host Luton Town in a 7.45pm kick-off at Elland Road tonight, with the chance to climb to the top of the Championship table. Daniel Farke hosts a Rob Edwards side with only three wins from their last 10 matches, but one loss in their last four.
Here are five things to look out for around tonight’s contest.
Leeds United did brilliantly to take the opportunity handed to them at the weekend and hit the front in the Championship title race. However, just as quickly, Burnley and Sheffield United have responded with convincing midweek wins.
This is hardly a must-win game for the Whites, but, down in fourth now, it would be welcome if they could keep on the pressure and respond with another victory of their own. Even a little 1-0 would do the job.
Three games to go on the suspension tightrope
Junior Firpo (suspended for another matter today) and Jayden Bogle may have got theirs out of the way, but Leeds have another two players trying to inch across the five-yellow suspension tightrope towards December 7. Joe Rodon and Wilfried Gnonto are on four yellows apiece and will be banned for one match if they pick up another caution tonight.
Gnonto’s absence would likely be covered by Solomon, while Rodon would need rusty options like Josuha Guilavogui or Max Wober to step into central defence. It’s two more games until the cut-off after today.
Does Gnonto get back in?
It was a bold move by Daniel Farke to rotate Wilfried Gnonto out of the line-up on Sunday. While he might have planned for the Italian to come straight back in tonight, it looks a lot trickier after some good performances in Wales.
Daniel James created three goals and Manor Solomon bagged twice. Surely, they cannot now be rotated with their confidence sky-high and the latter finally building some momentum in white.
The alternative is playing Gnonto through the centre in Brenden Aaronson’s place. The American has struggled to retain a high level of late, but he does have a natural inclination to drop deeper and help the midfielders out.
Is Farke prepared to lose that diligence with Gnonto likely to be a far more attacking outlet behind a striker? Trying Gnonto as a 10 would satisfy those calling for such an experiment from the summer onwards.
Minutes for Ramazani?
While the other three wingers are making life difficult for Farke on selection, even Largie Ramazani is now creeping back into a condition where he can be used from the bench. Will Farke look to get the Belgian back into the fray tonight?
He may not be needed, such is the attacking prowess elsewhere in the squad, but Farke could want to start the sharpening process this evening.
Can Luton get their act together?
Nine of Luton Town’s 12 most-used players this season had significant minutes in the Premier League last season. This is a top-flight squad which was seven points away from survival six months ago.
