Leeds United take on Middlesbrough in what is easily Daniel Farke’s biggest game of the season with automatic promotion and ultimately, the German’s job on the line.
After one win in six and three consecutive draws, Leeds desperately need a win after slipping into third place on Saturday following a 1-1 draw against 23rd-placed Luton Town away from home in Bedfordshire.
They now take on Michael Carrick’s fifth-placed side who have beaten Leeds already this season, albeit in the second game of the 24-25 in the Carabao Cup – Daniel Farke’s only ever loss against Middlesbrough.
So, Leeds need a win but come up against a side with five wins from seven and Farke has got to get his team selection right to face the Teesside outfit. There are plenty of decisions to make come Tuesday.
Karl Darlow stat will worry Daniel Farke and Leeds United
Replacing Pascal Struijk is the big one. Struijk is out for the two games this week and maybe the season if he had fractured his foot, meaning Farke has to either put Ethan Ampadu in defence or start Max Wober.
Elsewhere, Leeds fans want Manor Solomon dropped and that could mean a reshuffle in attack. Joel Piroe was poor again at Luton but Farke has ruled out a start for Patrick Bamford after making his return.
But there is another issue that could prove to a cause for concern and it is Karl Darlow. The veteran ace came in for Illan Meslier at Luton and looked assured, unable to do anything about Isaiah Jones’ opener.
However, his record against Middlesbrough is woeful. He’s faced Boro seven times throughout his career, winning only once and conceding a whopping 14 goals – never keeping a clean sheet against them.
Darlow’s seven career appearances against Middlesbrough:
| Date | Playing for | Venue | Minutes | Goals conceded (Result) |
| April 16, 2013 | Nottingham Forest | Riverside | 90 | 1 (1-0 Loss) |
| September 17, 2013 | Nottingham Forest | City Ground | 90 | 2 (2-2 Draw) |
| March 11, 2014 | Nottingham Forest | Riverside | 90 | 1 (1-1 Draw) |
| December 26, 2014 | Nottingham Forest | Riverside | 90 | 3 (3-0 Loss) |
| March 7, 2015 | Nottingham Forest | City Ground | 90 | 1 (2-1 Win) |
| April 19, 2023 | Hull City | Riverside | 90 | 3 (3-1 Loss) |
| August 14, 2024 | Leeds United | Elland Road | 90 | 3 (3-0 Loss) |
Having made the decision to bring Darlow in for Meslier, it is now unlikely that Meslier plays again for Leeds during the rest of the season given Farke’s loyalty to his players. Unless of course, Darlow cannot.
Unlikely secret weapon in Sam Byram against Middlesbrough
However, there are some Leeds players that have done well against Boro. Willy Gnonto has two goals in three Championship games against Carrick’s men, scoring earlier this term in the 3-1 League win.
But not many have a record like Byram’s. The versatile defender has faced Boro more than any other club throughout his career – a huge 12 times. Eight of those have ended in wins, he clearly has the touch.
Boro will be without six key players on Tuesday night including Luke Ayling, while three others are doubts – but Carrick spoke optimistically of one of those in Dael Fry. Leeds are without Struijk and Joe Rothwell.
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