Leeds United face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road this afternoon, looking to move one step closer to securing their status as a Premier League club.
Daniel Farke’s side come into the clash off of a superb 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Monday night, subsequently helping them move six points clear of the relegation zone.
However, this afternoon’s clash against the division’s bottom side presents an added chance for the Whites to make it back-to-back wins in the top-flight.
The club have already defeated today’s opposition in the league this term, with Farke’s men claiming a 3-1 victory at Molineux way back on the 20th of September.
Since that triumph nearly seven months ago, the side have switched to a back three system, with many of the starters from that day potentially missing out on today’s clash in Yorkshire.
Leeds team news ahead of Wolves Premier League clash
Ahead of the vital clash with Wolves this afternoon, Leeds boss Farke has provided an update on what players will be available for the clash at Elland Road.
Ao Tanaka limped off in the 74th minute during the victory against United at Old Trafford, with many fearing that the Japanese international could miss a run of games.
However, the manager has confirmed that the 27-year-old is fit to feature against Rob Edwards’ men this afternoon – potentially allowing him to partner Ethan Ampadu at the heart of the side once again.
Tanaka will no doubt be selected again due to the ankle injury suffered by Anton Stach, with the German still unavailable and yet to return to first team training.
The 27-year-old isn’t alone on the treatment table at present, with the likes of Welsh pair Dan James and Joe Rodon both also absent from the senior ranks.
It remains to be seen how quickly any of the aforementioned stars will return to action, but for now at least, Farke’s men will have to provide the results needed without them.
The Leeds star who could get Calvert-Lewin firing against Wolves
Despite producing a staggering tally of eight goals in nine matches at one stage this season, Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has massively struggled to find the back of the net as of late.
The 29-year-old, who’s netted 10 league goals this term, is the Whites’ top scorer this season, but he’s now failed to score in any of his last six league outings.
His last goal in the Premier League came back in the 3-1 triumph over Nottingham Forest in early February, highlighting the struggles he’s endured in the final third.
If Farke’s men are to take a huge stride towards survival this afternoon, the manager will no doubt want his centre-forward to recapture his best goalscoring form.
However, to increase his chances of seeing his talisman hit the back of the net again, the manager should look to finally unleash winger Wilfried Gnonto this afternoon
The Italian has found consistent league minutes extremely hard to come by this term, as seen by his measly tally of just four starts out of a possible 32 to date.
He’s often had to resort to minutes off the substitutes bench, subsequently being brought off the bench for the 13th time against the Red Devils on Monday.
Wilfried Gnonto – stats against Man Utd
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
16
Touches
27
Pass accuracy
83%
Dribbles completed
2
Passes into final third
3
Chances created
1
Fouls won
1
Touches in 18-yard box
2
Despite featuring for just 16 minutes and with the side holding onto a one-goal lead, the 22-year-old managed to produce some impressive figures – many of which could benefit Calvert-Lewin.
The Italian managed to complete two dribbles – the most of any Whites player – subsequently demonstrating qualities similar to that of former fan-favourite Max Gradel.
Gnonto also managed to complete 83% of his passes, three of which were made into the final third – which would be music to the ears of Calvert-Lewin.
The winger’s quality against United was further demonstrated in his tally of one chance created and one foul won – matching Gradel, who often caused carnage during his own time at Elland Road.
Should Gnonto be recalled to the starting eleven, it would likely be in place of Brenden Aaronson, which could see the youngster star alongside two-goal hero Noah Okafor.
The pair could feature in a slightly wider role ahead of the midfield, which could allow the pair to cause havoc against the division’s bottom side later on today.
If they manage to get into full flow alongside one another, there’s no reason why they can’t provide Calvert-Lewin with the tools to end his goal drought and catapult the Whites to three crucial points.
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