On their return to Championship competition, Leeds United’s matchup with Sheffield United at Elland Road could not be more difficult.
The Blades are the only team in the EFL that is currently undefeated, having only allowed three goals in their first nine games. If not for their two-point deduction, they would be leading the standings.
Having said that, Leeds was undoubtedly fortunate to have the international break during this period.
They have more time to get at least some of them back fit because Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Dan James, Manor Solomon, and Max Wober are all out with injuries.
Farke is optimistic that Solomon and James will both return, which will greatly strengthen the Leeds manager’s bench when players like Largie Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto start to show their age during games.
Nevertheless, Leeds remains the Championship team with the most number of foreign players, and their schedule has not been kind to them.
Graham Smyth discusses the struggle of Brenden Aaronson to be eligible for Leeds With so many clubs in the division and so few foreign players, it is absurd that Sky Sports has chosen to show Leeds on a Friday night as the first game following the break.
Furthermore, Leeds players are active outside of Europe. Ao Tanaka, Junior Firpo, and Brenden Aaronson are all essentially on opposite sides of the planet. Due to their Tuesday games, Firpo and Tanaka should be fine, but it’s not ideal that the former’s is at 11 p.m. BST.
However, Aaronson’s second game for the United States is scheduled for Wednesday morning at 3.30 am BST, all the way in Mexico. Journalist Graham Smyth expressed doubts about Aaronson’s ability to start against the Blades in a recent Inside Elland Road Podcast edition.
He stated: “Therefore, the earliest you think he’s going to be on a flight is 9am, absolute earliest, if the [USA] game finishes at 5.30am, in the dressing room at 6am. Get yourself a walk cycle and use it while you recuperate on the plane. By Thursday, he’ll be back in the United States, but in which state?
“Yeah, I believe he will be in the squad, but given the timing, it is unclear whether or not he can start. Is it not the case that Leeds will require all of them? It seems that everyone will need to gather their courage, get forth, and offer themselves as readily as they can.
Most likely, Daniel Farke will replace Aaronson against Sheffield United. There isn’t much in reserve if the “unbelievable” Aaronson were to miss out, which irritated Farke about Leeds failing to sign a 10 in the summer.
But if James and Solomon return to full fitness, Farke could be able to somewhat rearrange his three behind the striker.
This season, Wilfried Gnonto has been allowed greater freedom to move around and has shown that he is a very good alternative to play at position 10.
Naturally, Largie Ramazani would remain in his position, allowing James or Solomon, if they are healthy enough, to start right away.
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