Leeds United are looking rampant in the Championship right now. But on Saturday they take a break from league duties to face Millwall in the FA Cup.
Leeds United welcome Millwall to Elland Road for what should be an intriguing FA Cup fourth round clash, after the Whites beat Harrogate Town 1-0 in the third round in January.
Daniel Farke looks set to ring the changes to his Leeds United XI, which has really been in fine form of late. Last time out, Leeds United beat Coventry City 2-0 away from home, having now gone 14 games unbeaten in all competitions.
The Whites sit in 1st place of the Championship table compared to Millwall in 14th, though the Lions come into this weekend’s game on the back of a positive win over QPR in their last outing.
We’re bound to see some of Leeds’ fringe players on Saturday afternoon. One name who’s almost certain to be rested is Dan James.
Dominic Matteo shares verdict on Dan James at Leeds United
The 27-year-old Welsh international has now featured 27 times in the Championship this season, scoring eight and assisting six. Last time round, James scored 13 and assisted seven more in the Championship.
But Leeds United legend Dominic Matteo thinks James has unlocked a new side of his game this season, having become what Matteo says is a ‘real leader’ for Leeds United.
Hailing the form of James and fellow winger Manor Solomon, Matteo told LUTV: “Some great performances in certain areas, especially in the wide areas, Solomon and Dan James, outstanding. No team would want to be playing up against them two.
“Not just the pace, just the way that they’re playing at the moment. They’ve got so much quality, it’s great to see. Especially with Dan James. He’s a player I’ve really praised this season and last season.
“He’s kind of found his feet at Leeds United and he’s becoming a real leader at the club.”
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Dan James is Leeds United’s ‘premiere’ player right now
James has been receiving praise from everywhere of late. And deservedly so with the winger having really matured into a consistent player who’s now scoring and creating goals regularly.
That’s a view also shared by Championship expert Ali Maxwell. Speaking recently, Maxwell hailed James’ form at Leeds United, explaining how he’s now the ‘premiere’ player in Farke’s side.
Maxwell said: “There is an argument that James has been both one of the premiere goal threats this season and it’s premiere creative player.
“This was a trend which started last season. He just started to look so much more sure of himself, so much more composed in that final action. The output has followed with it. It’s clearly the best he has ever been right now.”
Given how much football James has played already this season, expect him to be rested against Millwall.
Kick off is at 12:15pm, for information on how to watch Leeds United against Millwall click here.
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