Daniel Farke will have an embarrassment of attacking options to choose from when Manor Solomon and Dan James are both fit for Leeds United.
Solomon and James both missed Leeds’ 2-0 victory over Cardiff City. The former was out with a minor back issue, with the latter still recovering from a hamstring injury.
It is hoped that Solomon could be back as early as the weekend against Coventry City, though James’ return date is not pencilled in until after the October international break.
Their injuries opened the door for Largie Ramazani’s full Leeds debut in South Wales. He did not take long to make his mark, leaving Tony Dorigo very impressed when he netted Leeds’ opener.
Joel Piroe was the other man on the scoresheet on Saturday. He has started just once this season, yet already has two goals and an assist.
Wilfried Gnonto should be Leeds’ starting left-winger
Depending on whether Farke goes for balance or names, it is going to be very difficult to pick a strongest front four for the Leeds boss.
Neil Redfearn hailed Solomon as too good for the Championship after his debut against Hull City. However, does his inclusion on the left hinder others?
Solomon is brilliant at cutting in on his stronger right-foot, but is only really a left-winger or nothing. Other options are more versatile.
As difficult as it may be, Solomon may have be a bench option – but what a sub to bring on. Despite Ramazani’s goal, he may also be in the same situation as Solomon.
Wilfried Gnonto proved against Sheffield Wednesday he is Leeds’ best attacking player. However, that is when he is on the left, a performance Owls boss Danny Rohl hailed as ‘unbelievable’.
When in that form, Gnonto is undoubtedly the first name on the team sheet. The biggest question should be who joins him.
Who joins Wilfried Gnonto in Leeds’ strongest front four?
Although Ramazani did show at UD Almeria he can play on the right, James is far more comfortable there.
James keeps the width and therefore allows Gnonto to drift inside and link up with Leeds’ only natural number 10 Brenden Aaronson, which worked so well at Hillsborough.
Gnonto getting more freedom on that left-hand-side also seemingly gets the best out of Junior Firpo’s attacking qualities. It provides him the space to get on the overlap.
Making up the rest of the front four should be Mateo Joseph. Despite his lack of goals, his link-up play and movement is way beyond that of Piroe and Patrick Bamford.
Piroe, though, certainly has a part to play. He proved against both Hull and Cardiff City he can be the man to come on and kill matches when Leeds are ahead.
Strongest front four: James (RW), Aaronson (No.10), Gnonto (LW), Joseph (ST)
Subs: Ramazani, Solomon, Piroe, Bamford
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