Ben Parker has tipped Daniel Farke to make one change to his Leeds United starting XI against Blackburn Rovers.
Leeds are in desperate need of a return to winning ways after faltering in their four matches since the international break, picking up just five points.
Having suffered their first defeat of 2024 at Coventry City last weekend, Farke then opted to name an unchanged starting XI against Sunderland at Elland Road on Tuesday.
It would be fair to say that is a decision which backfired, as Leeds once again produced a lacklustre performance which conjured up just one tame shot on target through Joe Rodon.
Leeds’ attacking players are whom have seen a big drop off in form as of late, but Farke certainly has the options on his bench to change things around.
Parker thinks Farke could recall Gnonto to Leeds starting XI
Dan James is one who has struggled in particular since the international break, and is perhaps still feeling the effects of that penalty miss for Wales.
Aside from his incredible goal against Hull City, he has been largely ineffective in the four matches so far and coming up against sides who sit deep is not really his strength.
In fact, James had still been playing a starring role as a superb sub prior to the international break, often coming on in place of Willy Gnonto for the final 20-30 minutes.
Gnonto had been in brilliant form starting matches prior to picking up that injury for Italy U21s, scoring six goals in nine league starts.
Having come off the bench in the last two, Parker now believes he could be brought in from the start against Blackburn tomorrow, to get back to that dynamic which was working so well.
On the latest episode of the LS11 Podcast, he said: “I think if there is a change, that will be it. Right before the international break, Willy was scoring goals. Then he’d come off, bring Dan James on and he’d get a goal so whatever was working it seemed to fit everybody.
“I think he might go down that way but even if we kept the same team it is a strong team, but it’s just not seeing that rhythm we have seen for large parts of the season. These are the type of games if we got an early goal it settles everyone down.”
Where is Gnonto at fitness wise for Leeds?
As mentioned, Gnonto missed both matches against Watford and Hull City as a result of a hamstring injury on international duty.
Gnonto’s return at Coventry City actually came as a real surprise, as Farke had not earmarked him to be back fit until the game against Middlesbrough on April 22.
Farke is likely to share a new update on whether he could start in his presser today, but here is the most recent thing he said on Gnonto’s fitness, ahead of a potential start this weekend.
Farke said on Monday: “Have to be careful with Roberts. Felt something late in the game. Took him out of training yesterday, no new injury, precaution.
“Same with Gnonto – muscle tired. Probably available, but can’t say if more minutes than Saturday. Not ready for 90 minutes until Middlesbrough,”
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