Daniel Farke is likely to entertain some changes to his Leeds United starting XI come Saturday afternoon when The Whites go to Wales to take on Cardiff City.
As is the way, Leeds fans have had their say on social media following last Saturday’s defeat to Burnley. A disappointing loss and the first Championship defeat of the season, in which Burnley secured a 1-0 win.
Luca Koleosho took advantage of Manor Solomon’s slip and raced towards goal before lashing an effort into the far corner past Illan Meslier. Tony Dorigo blasted Jayden Bogle for not engaging Koleosho earlier.
The goal proved to be the only strike in the entire game as Scott Parker’s men held firm. But a match that Leeds dominated and had big chances, Mateo Joseph missing a one-on-one chance in the first minute.
Leeds fans want Ao Tanaka to start against Cardiff on Saturday
In the middle of the park, Farke started with Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu once again. A defensive duo, with Bulgaria star Gruev once again required to play a box-to-box role but Leeds lacked that creativity.
With Ampadu picking up a knock, Farke chose to bring in Joe Rothwell ahead of Tanaka. The Japan star perhaps being eased in following his £3.4m move on deadline day, and having travelled with his nation.
But against Cardiff and rightly so, Leeds fans want changes and one new face supporters are keen to see at Cardiff is Tanaka in the middle of the park. The new signing has looked bright in his two cameo roles.
Neil Redfearn predicted Tanaka to start over Ilia Gruev after Hull
Despite the 2-0 win over Hull in which Gruev impressed, former Leeds manager Neil Redfearn said that he expected Tanaka to come in for Gruev and actually, we would not see Gruev get much more game time.
That is despite the stats showing that Gruev is crucial to Leeds keeping clean sheets. But something has to give and one thing that was obvious on Saturday was a lack of midfield threat with Gruev playing.
Come Saturday, Farke is expected to make a couple of changes. “Leader” Tanaka could be one of them, but Farke may entrust Rothwell or even stick with Gruev against the under-pressure Cardiff this weekend.
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