Marcelo Bielsa’s verdict on Leeds United star makes him the solution to Burnley problem

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Brenden Aaronson has now started the last four Premier League games for Leeds United, but when the October international break is over, Daniel Farke may have a decision to make.

Aaronson didn’t play a single minute for the United States in their 1-1 draw with Ecuador this weekend. It means there is a bigger likelihood he comes to the side when Mauricio Pochettino’s men face Australia.

That fixture takes place at 2am on Wednesday morning, at DSG Park in Colorado. Just three days later, and Leeds go to Burnley in what is one of Leeds’ most-winnable games of the 2025-26 campaign.

Leeds need to be at their best to ensure they do get a result against Burnley. Certainly, anything less than a draw will not go down well and that means there is pressure on Farke to get his team selection right.

• READ MORE: What Jack Harrison really thinks about being left out of the Leeds starting XI

Daniel Farke needs to consider Jack Harrison start at Burnley

Aaronson is likely to play against Australia and then have to travel back from America to Yorkshire, all within 72 hours of facing Burnley. He will need a rest day and to recover from any knocks before Burnley.

Aaronson has done it before, but at Premier League level, can it be risked? The reason Aaronson is in the starting line-up is because Farke wants a defensive winger to complement Noah Okafor on the other side.

But if Aaronson is jaded, he can’t be risked. Willy Gnonto is expected back but hasn’t played for weeks, and Dan James is sidelined until after the November break. Perhaps Burnley sees Jack Harrison start.

If Farke is unconvinced that Harrison can do the defensive side of the game like Aaronson, then he should listen to what Marcelo Bielsa said about Harrison after beating QPR in 2019. Harrison scored the second.

“A lot of effort. He played on the left side, full-back, midfielder, and winger. He defended and attacked as well. He scored the second and the pass for the first. He ran in the corridor a lot, attacking, defending.”

Jack Harrison’s record against Burnley is eye-catching

If Farke doesn’t want to risk Aaronson, then he has to consider using Harrison against Burnley. A player that will put in the graft and offer a screen for Jayden Bogle, while posing an attacking threat, as well.

Throughout his career, Harrison has played against Burnley seven times. The winger has never lost in games against The Clarets, winning six times and having a hand in four goals for Leeds, scoring two.

Farke is known for sticking to his guns. The majority of the side picks itself, with the defence and midfield likely to remain the same. Aaronson’s position is not certain and if fatigued, £11m Harrison has to start.