Preparations can now finally properly start for Leeds United’s match with Burnley this weekend.
The last of Leeds’ internationals were in action on Tuesday as Brenden Aaronson’s 1-1 draw against New Zealand rounded off a busy period for Daniel Farke’s squad.
Farke will not have too much time on the training pitch with all of his players ahead of the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Elland Road, but will have already been putting some tactical plans in place.
After an impressive win over Hull City before the break, Farke will not want to change too much of his starting XI for Saturday’s match.
However, the logistics of Aaronson only finishing his match in the early hours of this morning, may force Farke into at least one alteration in attack.
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Wilfried Gnonto hands Farke dilemma upon Leeds return
Alongside Aaronson, Wilfried Gnonto was one of the other five Leeds players in action over the course of Tuesday for their respective countries.
Gnonto played 88 minutes as Italy U21s took a giant stride towards qualification for next summer’s European Championships, with a 3-0 win over Norway.
As he often does for Italy, Gnonto was playing in a more central role and did not take long to make an impact, providing a lovely assist for hattrick hero Tommaso Baldanzi to open the scoring.
Assist stats can often be misleading in football but this pass from Gnonto was anything but, as he showed his excellent ability in tight spaces to turn quickly and thread a neat through ball beyond the defence with the outside of his foot.
Gnonto has been drifting inside more for Leeds during the start of this season but this is just yet more evidence that perhaps the number 10 role needs to be his permanently.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl admitted his side could not handle Gnonto in the recent meeting at Hillsborough, a game in which he was constantly taking up central spaces.
With Aaronson’s availability potentially in doubt against Burnley, the ‘phenomenal‘ Gnonto simply has to be handed the opportunity to start in that position this weekend.
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Sam Parkin tips Largie Ramazani to start for Leeds
With Gnonto potentially replacing Aaronson in that central position, that would leave on vacant spot on that right-hand-side.
If fit, Dan James may well be the man to start. However, his return to fitness has not yet been confirmed and so EFL pundit Sam Parkin has tipped Largie Ramazani to be handed a full debut.
He said: “It [the amount of Leeds internationals] is going to be impactful this weekend I would suggest. It is fascinating to see how that front support cast is going to look with Solomon, Gnonto and Aaronson all away.
“I think Ramazani potentially could get a start here, so we will have to keep an eye on that one. Leeds are going really well.”
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