Leeds United face another crucial match in their promotion charge at Coventry City later today.
The Sky Blues represent arguably Leeds‘ toughest remaining test with them also possessing promotion aspirations of their own, sitting just outside the top six.
Prior to their Easter Monday defeat to Cardiff City, Coventry had been in a superb run of form having won four consecutive matches in all competitions, including away at Premier League side Wolves in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
However, at this stage of the season, Leeds can ill afford any slip ups due to the form of those elsewhere, with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna suggesting the standard at the top is the best it has ever been.
Both Ipswich and Leicester City also face potential banana skin matches of their own, with the former at bitter rivals Norwich, and the latter hosting a Birmingham side fighting for their life at the bottom.
26-year-old will need his best game for Leeds today up against in-form £8m Coventry star
There are a number of key battles across the pitch which could prove decisive today, perhaps none more so than Crysencio Summerville up against the right-side of that Coventry back four, given how they were able to get under his skin in the home match.
However, there is one man at the back for Leeds who will have to be at his very best today if they are to come away with a vital three points.
Joe Rodon has been exceptional since joining on loan from Tottenham in the summer, forming a brilliant partnership with Ethan Ampadu at centre-back since the turn of the New Year.
However, he may just need his best game yet as he is set to come up against one of the most in-form strikers in the league, £8 million man Ellis Simms.
Simms has a very impressive eight goals in his last five appearances across all competitions and after a slow start to his Coventry career, is clearly full of confidence right now.
Rodon is more than a physical match for anyone at this level but Simms is certainly someone who bases his game around his strength and pace in behind, meaning the Leeds defender will have to be absolutely on it to stop him.
Predicted Leeds XI to face Coventry tomorrow
Whether Farke makes any changes from Monday’s win over Hull City is likely to depend on if Gruev is fit enough to start.
If he is, it is almost guaranteed he will come straight into the starting line-up considering how badly he has been missed mopping up just in front of the back four. He could actually be key to helping Rodon deal with Simms by stopping him from getting the service he needs.
His return would open up the possibility of Archie Gray returning at right-back, though Sam Byram was very impressive up against Jaden Philogene earlier this week.
Elsewhere, there is likely to be no other changes with Farke all but confirming Patrick Bamford will keep his place ahead of Mateo Joseph up front.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
