Leeds United face Brentford at Elland Road tonight, looking to take yet another huge stride towards securing their Premier League status and move clear of the relegation places.
Daniel Farke’s men will be looking to secure their first league win in six matches, after drawing three and losing two of their last five encounters in England’s top-flight.
However, the clash against Keith Andrews’ men will be nothing short of straightforward, with the Bees coming into the clash off the back of a three-game unbeaten run whilst occupying 7th place.
A win for the Whites could move them six points clear of the drop zone ahead of West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur’s matches on Sunday.
If Farke’s men are to return to winning ways, they will have to do so without one crucial member of the squad, who will miss the clash in Yorkshire this evening.
The latest Leeds team news ahead of Brentford clash
Following last Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, Farke will have numerous selection dilemmas ahead of him before tonight’s clash with Brentford.
However, the German will be unable to call upon left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson after the Swedish star was sent off for a second bookable offence at Selhurst Park.
The decision to send the 26-year-old was certainly a controversial one, but due to the rules around two bookings, the Whites have been unable to appeal the ruling.
Despite the setback dealt Farke’s way, he has been handed a huge boost, with attacker Noah Okafor now back in full training and available for the clash at Elland Road.
The Swiss international has been missing since the FA Cup clash with Birmingham City back in February through injury, but could make a return to action this evening.
Farke himself confirmed during his pre-match press conference that the 25-year-old was ready to return to the squad and could play a part against Andrews’ men.
How Farke could solve Gudmundsson blow against Brentford
The suspension of Gudmundsson this evening will see the manager make at least one change to the side that faced the Eagles away from home last weekend.
James Justin started the meeting at right-back, before being switched over to left-hand side for the second half after the Swedish full-back’s controversial dismissal.
Jayden Bogle will no doubt return in his regular right-back role, which could hand Farke the easy decision of allowing the 28-year-old summer addition to operate off the left once more.
However, if the Whites are to take the game to the visitors this afternoon, he could opt for a more attacking solution and unleash winger Wilfried Gnonto in a wing-back role.
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The Italian has previously operated in such a position during the German’s tenure, as seen during the FA Cup win over Birmingham a little over a month ago.
Such a call may be a somewhat controversial one given Justin’s availability, but the 22-year-old attacker has previously showcased he’s capable of thriving in the role.
During his previous outing in a more defensive role, Gnonto managed to win 100% of the tackles that he entered, whilst also making three clearances and three ball recoveries.
The potential decision from Farke could also allow for an added attacking outlet within the final third – with the winger producing some numerous impressive tallies to date.
Wilfried Gnonto – stats at WB against Birmingham
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
68
Touches
32
Passes completed
13
Touches in 18-yard box
2
Tackles won
100%
Clearances made
3
Ball recoveries made
3
Aerials won
67%
Gnonto, who’s been dubbed a “firework” by pundit Noel Whelan, has created 1.2 chances per 90, whilst making an average of 3.4 passes into the final third per game.
Such numbers could be music to the ears of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who will be looking to celebrate his return to the England squad with a goal.
The Italian has also won 1.9 fouls per 90 so far this term, whilst creating 0.3 big chances per 90 – figures which could make him a constant nuisance to the Bees.
Given the attacker’s tally of just four starts in the Premier League this season, it would be a bold call and one that may raise the eyebrows of supporters at Elland Road.
He’s no doubt failed to produce the goods on a consistent basis, but there’s no denying he still possesses a lot of quality and could offer the magic the Whites are hunting for.
Justin would certainly be the obvious selection to replace Gudmundsson, but the wildcard selection of Gnonto could hand the side the added attacking outlet needed to secure all three points.
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