There are going to be a few changes when Daniel Farke names his Leeds United XI to take on Luton Town on Saturday, with the Leeds manager already confirming one that will take place.
Indeed, Farke has told reporters on Thursday that he will start Karl Darlow in goal for the first time in the league this season. Darlow has been second-choice to Illan Meslier ever since he joined Leeds in 2023.
But there are likely to be other changes, elsewhere. Farke confirmed that there are no injuries in the Leeds squad at the moment, with Max Wober and Patrick Bamford on the comeback trail at Thorp Arch now.
Junior Firpo is likely to start at left-back after being benched following his travels with The Domincan Republic and it was the same for Ao Tanaka, who represented Japan during the March international break.
Daniel Farke responds when asked if Willy Gnonto starts v Luton
Ahead of the game, Graham Smyth says he is convinced Gnonto will be given a start. It comes after Gnonto created Leeds’ second against QPR, and then came off the bench on Saturday to score for Leeds.
He was only missing from the starting line-up, some would say, because Gnonto returned early from Italy U21 duty during the break with an ankle injury. Farke said last week he was 50-50 ahead of Swansea.
Now, Smyth has asked Farke if Gnonto will start against Luton. He responded: “It was a heartbraking finish [vs Swansea]. But it was beneficial for a few players. Good for Junior and Ao, to get some minutes.
“Good for Brenden Aaronson, our best offensive player on the pitch. A confidence boost. Good for Willy to find some trust in his ankle and good for him to have a full week of training to allow the ankle to heal.
“Willy has a good spell, impressive at QPR, good for confidence. He’s ready to go like all of my players.”
Willy Gnonto has to start, but who does he replace on Saturday?
There is no doubt that Gnonto needs to be given a start. But with Aaronson scoring against Swansea and as Farke says, Leeds’ best attacking player, then who comes out for Gnonto to be able to start at Luton?
Dan James was involved against his old side but missed a number of half chances. He has struggled to produce his best in the last few weeks, as has Manor Solomon on the other side – failing to get involved.
James is arguably playing a bit better than Solomon. After all, Stuart Dallas thinks James is Leeds’ best player this season, so Gnonto could come in for Solomon – even if Gnonto prefers to play on the right.
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