Leeds United return to the field in just five days after the first international break of the season and the Whites take on a Burnley side more than likely to rival Leeds for promotion.
Scott Parker, like Leeds boss Daniel Farke, is in pursuit of a third promotion from the Championship to the Premier League as a manager. He has taken over at Burnley, replacing Vincent Kompany, now at Bayern.
Leeds players are set to return in drips and drabs to Elland Road next week. Ilia Gruev for example will by the end of play on Sunday, have finished his two games for Bulgaria and is likely to return by Tuesday.
Others though, will not return as quickly and one of those comes in the form of Brenden Aaronson who is currently with Mauricio Pochettino’s soon-to-be USA side. They lost 2-1 to Canada on Saturday in Kansas.
Why Ramazani could get a start on Saturday against Burnley
Aaronson’s next game is in the early hours of Wednesday, when USA face Mexico. A ridiculous schedule for those with English clubs, and an equally silly decision to play on a Saturday lunchtime after an international break.
But it is likely to place Aaronson’s chances of starting on Saturday in doubt. Aaronson is currently Leeds’ top scorer and by Farke’s own admission, the club’s only natural no.10 with Leeds failing to sign another one.
Aaronson’s absence could be worsened by Dan James. The winger missed the win over Hull with an injury, and it is unclear if he will be ready for Burnley. Hamstring permitting, he may be lucky to make the bench.
Brenden Aaronson and Dan James could miss Burnley clash
So with Aaronson and James possibly out, attention turns to Manor Solomon, Wilfried Gnonto and then Largie Ramazani. Solomon played only his second game in 12 months this week, losing 4-1 to Belgium.
It comes after a wonderful debut, and another injury-free 80 minutes against Belgium will do wonders. But he is likely to play against Italy next week, too. Perhaps by the time he returns, he might need a rest.
Gnonto is also in action next week and it means that there is a strong possibility Farke hands Ramazani a start. Ramazani is not busy representing Belgium and he may be the fittest option to face Parker’s men.
It could well be then that Ramazani’s first start comes against one of the best sides in the division, under the lights at Elland Road in a crucial Championship showdown. Talk about jumping in at the deep end.
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