Daniel Farke has the chance to build some momentum when Leeds United host Chelsea on Wednesday night, having come within an inch of stealing a point against Man City on Saturday.
Leeds went into the break 2-0 down against City at half-time and looked like a side that would go on to lose by four or five. But Daniel Farke did two things he had not done all season, and it turned the tide.
He was proactive instead of reactive, and he changed formation. Two subs, off came Willy Gnonto and Dan James, and on came Jaka Bijol and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, switching the Leeds system to 3-5-2.
Prediction time for Leeds United v Chelsea
Leeds got it back to 2-2, the system containing Erling Haaland but putting enough pressure on City to the extent that Gianluigi Donnarumma faked an injury so his teammates could speak to Pep Guardiola.
Leeds eventually lost the game, but it has the potential to be a turning point. Leeds can build on this if Farke makes the right decision on Wednesday night and fields a 3-5-2 system against Chelsea at home.
Daniel Farke must use 3-5-2 system, his Leeds job depends on it
Keeping these fans on side will save Farke. The Elland Road crowd is Leeds’ biggest weapon and their best chance of surviving relegation. The German has stumbled onto something that could be a turning point.
Switching to a 3-5-2 system is an absolute must. If Farke reverts to 4-3-3 on Wednesday against Chelsea and starts Brenden Aaronson, with Dan James picking up a hamstring injury, fans will be angry instantly.
If he wants Leeds fans onside against Chelsea, which in turn provides Leeds with the best chance of getting a result and possibly saves his Leeds job, he has to do the right thing and start with 3-5-2.
Should Daniel Farke stick with his 3-5-2 formation against Chelsea? 🤔
“I’m always prepared to play 3-5-2. It’s about the way I want to play against the ball.
“If it were that easy, we’d use it every game then anyone can be a Premier League manager. We couldn’t do it against Aston Villa because they press differently.”
Daniel Farke speaking after Leeds’ 3-2 defeat against Manchester City
Predicted Leeds United XI: Four changes and 3-5-2 formation
LeedsUnited.News believes Farke would be foolish not to change his formation to a 3-5-2 system when Chelsea come to town. Even if he might prefer to use a four-man defence, 3-5-2 is the way forward.
But changes are required. Farke has confirmed Dan James has a hamstring injury, while Sean Longstaff is missing. James Justin is fit, having come off with an impact injury, but Sebastiaan Bornauw will be missing.
Only Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, and probably Ao Tanaka say they will definitely start – with Tanaka top of the charts for tackles and duels against Man City. With Longstaff missing, Tanaka surely retains his place.
Four changes in our predicted Leeds United XI v Chelsea
Lucas Perri, Jayden Bogle, Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are likely to start. Changing to a three-man defence will see Jaka Bijol come in, while Stach should replace Ilia Gruev in the middle.
Gabi Gudmundsson could come back in for Justin, given Justin’s knock and that it was his first start, while Calvert-Lewin starts. Bijol, Stach, Gudmundsson and Calvert-Lewin in for James, Gruev, Gnonto and Justin.
Leeds United XI to face Chelsea: Lucas Perri; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk; Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Anton Stach, Gabi Gudmundsson; Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha.
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