Not only does Daniel Farke have a change to make at full-back for Leeds United’s trip to Bristol City, but also potentially on the wing.
Farke has gone with the same back four in every Championship match so far this season but Junior Firpo’s suspension means he will be absent at Ashton Gate.
Isaac Schmidt should be the man who replaces Firpo at left-back but Simon Grayson believes Sam Byram will get the nod instead.
Firpo had just begun to form a really good partnership with Largie Ramazani down Leeds‘ left-hand-side, but unfortunately, it is likely neither will play.
Ramazani limped off injured inside 15 minutes on Tuesday night and his latest Instagram post would suggest a spell on the sidelines is ahead, though for how long is uncertain.
Why Farke should choose Dan James for Leeds at Bristol City
Ramazani, Brenden Aaronson and Wilfried Gnonto had started to look really good in those three positions behind the striker but the former’s withdrawal against Watford knocked a bit of the impetus out of Leeds.
Manor Solomon was the man chosen to replace him, but on just his second appearance back after injury, he looked a little rusty, and failed to connect too often with his teammates in the final third.
Solomon said himself afterwards he is still someway from his best form, but Leeds’ other winger returning from injury Dan James seemed to look a lot sharper.
After coming on for Gnonto with just under 20 minutes left to play, James could quite easily have had a goal and an assist.
James was ‘devastated’ his sublime outside of the boot cross wasn’t tucked away by Mateo Joseph, while he also drew a good save out of Daniel Bachmann at his near post.
With that in mind, James should be given the nod by Farke on Saturday so he can go back to the three attacking midfielders that linked up so well at Sheffield Wednesday in August, the Welshman’s third and most recent start of the season.
In doing so, it would allow Gnonto to move over to the left and interchange with Aaronson, where he is much stronger. James can keep the width on the right.
- READ MORE: Ever-present Bristol City star to miss Leeds United match through suspension alongside Junior Firpo
What Solomon said about his fitness after Leeds win
Solomon is undoubtedly going to play a huge part for Leeds this season and his debut performance against Hull City proved that.
The key for him will be staying fit and being managed carefully by Farke. Even with a poor individual performance, 90 minutes will have done him the world of good.
However, due to the short turnaround, it would be a risk to put him in from the start on Saturday. Here’s what the Israeli said about his fitness post-match.
He said: “Back after a few weeks. Unfortunately I picked up an injury, it stopped my momentum.
“But now I’m back, I’m feeling good, it’s behind me. I just want to get more minutes to show the best version of myself, I’m still not at my best or at the top of my game but I will get there,” Solomon said.
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