Leeds United go to Burnley on Monday night in what is arguably the club’s most-important game of the season after the weekend’s results went in Daniel Farke’s favour.
Leeds remain top of the Championship table despite Sheffield United and Sunderland being in action on the weekend. Sheffield United suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to Hull City at Bramall Lane on Friday night.
Then, Sunderland were pegged back by struggling Plymouth as Darko Gyabi laid on a late assist for his loan side to equalise in the 90th minute. It leaves Leeds top, a point ahead of Chris Wilder’s Blades.
Sunderland meanwhile, remain in fourth and are four points behind Leeds. Monday night sees Leeds go to third-placed Burnley, the only side to have beaten Leeds at Elland Road during the 2024-25 campaign.
Leeds United fans think Ilia Gruev has got to start at Burnley
This is not a Championship fixture. This is two teams of Premier League quality, fighting it out to win a place in the league they are worthy of. Burnley’s defensive record is remarkable under Scott Parker.
The Clarets have conceded just nine goals in 28 Championship games. They will draw confidence from that, as well as their win at Elland Road and they boast home advantage and Leeds need to be cautious.
A win would be fantastic but a draw would still be advantageous to Leeds. Burnley need to win more than Leeds, and Leeds need defensive nous in midfield. Many want £4m man Ilia Gruev to start at Turf Moor.
Gruev has not started for Leeds since his knee injury, the 1-1 draw at Carrow Road in October. The left-footed ace was subbed off and has since played as a sub against Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich.
One fan thinks both Junior Firpo and Gruev “need to start”. Another says that having Gruev in midfield will allow Leeds to “break counters” against a side that have plenty of pace in the wide areas and attack.
The Bulgarian offers little in attack, but is astute from set-pieces. However, his defensive-minded nature means he will be crucial in snuffing out Burnley’s attack and it gives freedom to Ao Tanaka to go and play.
That’s why one supporter described Gruev as “ideal against a firing Burnley”. One thinks Ethan Ampadu would be best in midfield but given he is covering in defence, Gruev is the “next best thing” for Leeds.
What other selection issues Daniel Farke faces at Burnley…
Joe Rothwell admits Leeds lose defensive nous without Gruev and Ampadu in midfield and against a side like Burnley, that is what’s needed. Elsewhere, does Farke continue with Joel Piroe, or start Mateo Joseph?
Piroe has been a passenger against Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich but the stats are clear. Piroe has had a hand in 15 goals this term, Joseph only five. Piroe has scored 10, Joseph only two during 2024-25.
At left-back, Junior Firpo is fit and was excellent as a sub against Norwich. Whether he is risked with a start against Burnley remains to be seen, with Aidy White calling for an unchanged Leeds side tonight.
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