Farke’s three selection dilemmas for Cardiff; £12m Leeds man could be axed

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Leeds United begin their new Championship campaign with a home match against Cardiff City on Sunday.

Daniel Farke will be taking charge of his first competitive game as Whites boss with a productive pre-season under his belt following his appointment last month.

After defeats against Manchester United and Monaco, Leeds won their final two friendlies against Nottingham Forest and Hearts without conceding, offering hope the squad are quickly getting to grips with Farke’s style.

The 46-year-old offered a good indication as to how he could line-up in the final friendly in Scotland, but injuries and form mean there are still some key selection decisions to be made.

So, with that in mind, we have taken a look at three of the biggest dilemmas heading into the game.

Drameh v Ayling

Starting from the back there is an intense battle to establish themselves as Leeds’ first choice right-back between Cody Drameh and Luke Ayling.

At the beginning of pre-season, it wouldn’t have been unfair to suggest Drameh was leading the way after such a productive loan spell at Luton, coupled with Ayling’s poor end to the season.

However, Drameh picked up a minor hamstring injury at the worst possible time and as such, missed the final two friendlies of the summer.

Drameh is expected to be fit to face his former club Cardiff, but Ayling may now be ahead of him due to his great number of minutes.

Summerville v Poveda

This time 10 days ago this would not have been any sort of debate with the writing having looked on the wall for Ian Poveda’s Leeds future.

However, two excellent displays against Forest and Hearts have put him right back in contention at out of Luis Sinisterra, Dan James and Crysencio Summerville, it is the latter whose place is most at risk.

Poveda is more of a natural fit for that number 10 role Farke likes to operate with, though Summerville has been the preferred choice, when available, during pre-season.

It is hard to see Summerville not getting the nod despite being linked with a £12m move to the Premier League, but Poveda couldn’t really have done anymore.

Striker

After Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter both limped off injured in Edinburgh last week, Leeds are now without a recognised senior number nine.

At this stage, Joe Gelhardt and Wilfried Gnonto feel the most likely options to fill in if Bamford and Rutter are both absent, though it is far from ideal.

Gelhardt has already admitted he prefers playing as a number 10, though did lead the line on several occasions for Sunderland last season.

Gnonto, meanwhile, has played down the middle for Italy, but only in a front two and he has looked far more dangerous as a left winger.

It really is a 50/50 call as to who gets the nod at this stage.