Daniel Farke will have a number of decisions to make when it comes to picking his Leeds United side against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, with a few players struggling for form.
Even Ao Tanaka is not at his best. Daniel Farke called out Tanaka publicly on Saturday, listing the three mistakes he has made in the last two games – two at Swansea and then losing the ball against Luton.
But Tanaka will likely start given Ethan Ampadu is expected to drop into defence to replace Pascal Struijk. With Joe Rothwell injured, Leeds are left with only two midfielders in Ilia Gruev and the Japan sensation.
Elsewhere, there are other Leeds players in poor form. Even Joe Rodon is not playing to his best ability. Joel Piroe has gone six games without a goal or an assist and Leeds fans want Manor Solomon dropped.
Leeds post hints that Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe will start
Piroe was always a likely one. While he has 21 goals and assists this season, Piroe has struggled to show Leeds fans why £16m was spent to bring him to Elland Road – failing to take his chances of late.
With Mateo Joseph recovered from illness and Patrick Bamford impressing in his 30-minute cameo at Luton, there are options to replace him. But Farke says it would be “unnatural” to throw Bamford in.
Meanwhile, Solomon’s lack of numbers have also been poor. After 15 goals and assists, the on-loan Spurs ace has seen his form dip, coinciding with Leeds as a whole. But Leeds’ latest post hints both will start.
Posting a preview picture of some Leeds players, Solomon and Piroe are included along with Junior Firpo, Jayden Bogle, Tanaka and Dan James who are all expected to start come Tuesday night at The Riverside.
Should Leeds sign Manor Solomon permanently from Tottenham?
Solomon has hinted that he would like to sign permanently if Leeds are promoted to the Premier League. Leeds are expecting to sign Solomon from Tottenham, with Spurs wanting a fee of £10m-£15m for him.
But it all hinges on promotion. If Leeds do go up, should Solomon be a player Leeds bring in beyond his loan? Being back in the Premier League will open up a whole new calibre of player that Leeds can sign.
Ask the question about a month ago and most Leeds fans would have said signing Solomon was a no-brainer. But the last few weeks have ended that conversation – Leeds need to explore the market, first.
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