Daniel Farke has a bit of a Leeds United conundrum ahead of the visit of Oxford United on Saturday, with some tough player calls to make in the middle of the park.
Oxford United are currently managerless and travel to a Leeds United side who boast the Championship’s best home record so far this season.
Last time out at Elland Road, Leeds thumped Middlesbrough 3-1 in front of the Sky Sports cameras, albeit now finding themselves three points behind league leaders Sheffield United after a 1-1 draw at Preston last time out.
Ahead of Saturday, it’s reported that Gary Rowett is in talks with Oxford United and he could even be in the dugout for Saturday’s game at Elland Road,
Leeds, who currently it in 2nd place of the Championship table, will see this game as a must-win against an Oxford side who’ve won just one of their last 15 and currently sit in 20th place of the table.
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Daniel Farke has midfield call to make for Leeds United vs Oxford
Ethan Ampadu has returned for Leeds United and may be ready to start after making two substitute appearances in the last two games.
But where to fit him in has been a real talking point among Leeds fans on social media, with current midfield duo Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell having been very impressive.
One potentially fruitful change that Farke could make though is swapping Rothwell for Brenden Aaronson in the no.10 role, then playing Ampadu next to Tanaka in the middle of the park.
Rothwell is yet to score for Leeds United. But the 29-year-old certainly has a history of scoring some pretty spectacular goals when playing a bit further forward.
Southampton case study could be useful for Daniel Farke
Rothwell spent the second half of last season on loan at Southampton. He scored four goals in 17 Championship outings for the Saints, even coming off the bench in the play-off final.
The former Manchester United youngster, who also spent two seasons with Oxford United, often played in a more advanced midfield role for Southampton.
And his goals proved crucial in the run in. Memorably, Rothwell scored a stunning volley from the edge of the box for the Saints, bending it into the top corner in an ode to his finishing ability.
Playing Rothwell as a 10 could unlock that scoring side of his game that we know he has, with 30 career goals to his name, and also allow for Farke to play both Ampadu and Tanaka.
Aaronson would then be a useful option off the bench.
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