Leeds United will be fighting for the Championship title on Saturday when Daniel Farke takes his side to Plymouth Argyle for the final game of the season, at Home Park.
Having won five games in a row, a sixth will see Leeds lift the Championship trophy. Having realised their own side will likely lose, Plymouth have confirmed plans for Leeds to celebrate their Championship win.
But Leeds need to get the job done. Plymouth are not confirmed as relegated, but they will need a win and a 14-goal swing in their favour in terms of goal difference to survive relegation to League One.
A win sees Leeds hold the title aloft. But, they only need to match Burnley’s result to stay ahead of Scott Parker’s side and remain in first come the close of play with Burnley playing host to Millwall at Turf Moor.
Daniel Farke delivers updates on Dan James and Junior Firpo
Speaking after Monday’s 4-0 win over Bristol City, a game in which James was not involved, he said there was a “slim chance” he could play at Plymouth. James suffered a hamstring injury against Middlesbrough.
Indeed, James missed the win over Preston but returned for the trip to Oxford United – not seeming his usual self having come off the bench. Farke gave an update on James, while giving news on Junior Firpo.
Farke said Firpo and James are in a race to be fit for Saturday: “Firpo has some light hamstring problems after the last game and it will be a tight call. He has not been able to train, he could train tomorrow.
“Dan James has slightly improved, but also today – no team training. If he is in team training tomorrow, of course he will travel with us tomorrow due to his importance. But another tight race for him,” Farke said.
Daniel Farke comments on Leeds’ four other injured players
Pascal Struijk has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a foot injury against Luton, meanwhile Isaac Schmidt was absent from the squad on Monday having picked up an issue with his knee.
Elsewhere, Joe Rothwell was supposed to be fit again for the Bristol City game but was not seen until after the match, with celebrations underway. Farke discussed all three and whether they would be available.
“Isaac Schmidt had knee problems and it has not settled. There is still a chance, but it will be a tight call. Good news with Joe Rothwell, he can train today with us – he won’t be able to play for 90 minutes.
“But he could be a member of the squad if he comes through training today and tomorrow. Of course, Pascal Struijk and Sam Chambers will be out. The rest are ready to go,” Farke summarised on the injuries.
Before last season’s four fixtures against Plymouth – two in the League, two in the FA Cup due to a replay – Leeds had not faced Plymouth for 16 years. In the five games in total since 2007, Leeds have won four.
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