Daniel Farke will be desperate for Leeds United to avoid defeat on Wednesday night as the Whites prepare to host in-form Chelsea, with the 49ers keeping a close eye.
Reports this week say Farke has to avoid defeat in one of Leeds’ next two matches against Chelsea and Liverpool this week, having come within an inch of stealing a draw against Manchester City at The Etihad.
Prediction time for Leeds United v Chelsea
New names are starting to be linked with the Leeds hotseat, as Farke faces an uphill task to save his job. Paul Merson has predicted a narrow Chelsea win on Wednesday night, backing a 2-1 win for the Blues.
But Leeds fans have some momentum after their second half at City, after Farke switched to a 3-5-2 system at half-time, making two substitutions. Jermaine Beckford has urged Farke to make a big change.
Jermaine Beckford pleads with Daniel Farke to make 3-5-2 change
The switch in formation worked wonders at City. It has seen Leeds fans call for Farke to stick with the new-look formation, but it would be the first time Farke has ever started a Leeds game in such a way.
Speaking to TalkSPORT (03/12, 9.30 AM), Leeds icon Beckford has joined supporters in urging Farke to use the 3-5-2 formation against Chelsea. But there is real concern that Farke may revert back to his 4-3-3.
“The second half, yes [more encouraging]. The first half was lacklustre, perhaps even intimidating. At half-time, Daniel Farke made two great changes and played 3-5-2. Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha up top.
Should Daniel Farke stick with his 3-5-2 formation against Chelsea? 🤔
“I’m always prepared to play 3-5-2. It’s about the way I want to play against the ball.
“If it were that easy, we’d use it every game then anyone can be a Premier League manager. We couldn’t do it against Aston Villa because they press differently.”
Daniel Farke speaking after Leeds’ 3-2 defeat against Manchester City
“The whole structure changed for the better; they weren’t afraid to go more direct. The midfield squeezed up. Oh my gosh, if we see it tonight against Chelsea, it won’t be plain sailing. It will be a very tight game.
“Every window you’re looking to improve. Conceding too many, not scoring enough. If Leeds can play 3-5-2 and go more direct, we will see the best of the two boys up top. They complement each other well.”
The four changes Daniel Farke is likely to make tonight
One will be enforced. Dan James has suffered a lengthy hamstring injury, and he won’t play for Leeds until the end of January. Then, there is the return of Anton Stach having observed concussion protocol.
Elsewhere, Gabi Gudmundsson is well rested, and with James Justin suffering a knock against City, the Swedish defender is likely to come, while Stach is likely to replace Ilia Gruev in the middle of the park.
Four changes in our predicted Leeds United XI v Chelsea
If Farke does switch to a 3-5-2, then Jaka Bijol will come in at centre-back and Dominic Calvert-Lewin starts up top having changed the game at City. Four changes in total then, are expected for Chelsea.
In comes Bijol to form a three-man defence, Stach in midfield, Gudmundsson on the left and Calvert-Lewin up top. Justin, James, Gruev and Willy Gnonto make way, with the latter hooked at half-time at City.
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