Leeds United fans were already feeling nervous ahead of Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa, but a decision made by Daniel Farke has left supporters even more concerned their side will lose.
Farke is under intense pressure. LeedsUnited.News understands the 49ers will give Farke until January, but realistically, a couple of losses from this point on, and the pressure will mount on the German gaffer.
Prediction for Leeds United v Aston Villa
Graham Smyth thinks Leeds need to beat Villa, or failing to do that, pick up a couple of points from games against Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool. That is the position that Farke now finds himself in.
Kick-off at Elland Road is 2pm this afternoon and ahead of that, the team line-ups have been announced. Fans had been hoping for a few changes from last time out, which resulted in a dismal 3-1 loss at Forest.
Leeds fans cannot understand decision not to start Dan James
Ahead of the game, Farke spoke in glowing terms of winger Dan James. A nominee for the 2024-25 Player of the Season in the Championship, James is fit again and scored for Wales during the international break.
It comes at a time when fans have been fed up with Brenden Aaronson, who has now started eight in a row on the right flank. Supporters wanted a change, but they haven’t got it. Aaronson starts once again.
Responding to the team line-up to take on Aston Villa, the majority of Leeds fans spoke of their utter disbelief that James had been benched once again in favour of Aaronson. Some even want Farke sacked.
Farke has made only one change to his side, bringing in Pascal Struijk for Jaka Bijol. It means Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains on the bench, with Lukas Nmecha retaining his place after scoring against Forest.
But fans cannot understand the decision not to start James. One fan said he was “instantly annoyed” while another said “it can’t go on like this”, probably alluding to Farke’s future as Leeds manager.
Fans are not happy with the team selected. Another said “Get him gone now”, while another simply said, “James and Gnonto?!”. The faith in Aaronson continues to baffle, with one saying he is willing to “die on the Aaronson hill”.
Brenden Aaronson v Dan James: Premier League stats compared
It is worth mentioning that Aaronson has had a hand in two goals in his last three Premier League games, but the man in form and showing a threat is James. Especially after his cameo in the 3-1 defeat to Forest.
| Name | Clubs | PL games | PL goals | PL assists | Mins per PL G+A |
| Brenden Aaronson | Leeds | 47 | 2 | 4 | 516.3 |
| Dan James | Leeds Fulham Man United | 114 | 12 | 13 | 271.9 |
James is not only more prolific in the Premier League, but he is also more experienced. He is the natural right winger of the two, having starred for Leeds in the Championship during Farke’s reign as manager.
Just one change made to the side, then. Struijk partners Rodon with Bijol dropping out, but Farke does boast a bench that includes Calvert-Lewin, James, Ao Tanaka, and the returning Willy Gnonto.
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