Leeds United chain reaction could hit best weapon vs Coventry as dry spell looms large

-Credit: (Image: Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)


We start our run through five things to look out for in today's game with Leeds United’s arrival at 1.30pm this afternoon. Pascal Struijk was the biggest question mark for Daniel Farke as he came out of Thursday’s press conference.

If the Dutchman is not ready to start today, it may set off a chain reaction through the rest of the manager’s team selection. In Max Wober’s absence, the most likely solution seems to be bringing Ethan Ampadu back from midfield to partner with Joe Rodon.

They performed brilliantly together in central defence through the second half of last season. That would then leave Farke with a decision on Ao Tanaka or Joe Rothwell alongside Ilia Gruev.

Tanaka has been promising in his cameos from the bench, but Farke has singled Rothwell out more than once for praise this season. The alternative could be Sam Byram in central defence, but he may be needed elsewhere.

James Debayo was mentioned on Thursday by Farke, but that would be a huge show of faith in a league game by the German.

Does Firpo pull through?

Unlike Struijk, Junior Firpo was in full training on Thursday and Farke was hopeful, if the Dominican’s body reacted positively, he would be ready for today. Firpo was derided in the Premier League and wasn’t without his critics last season, but his attacking presence has become crucial in this side.

He would be a big miss today if his body wasn’t right, but Byram or Isaac Schmidt mean there is natural cover for the 28-year-old, if needed. Byram’s experience would likely tip the scales in his favour.

Can they stay solid with changes?

Defensively, Leeds have been mightily impressive since the madness on the opening day with Portsmouth. One goal has been conceded and it only came because Manor Solomon slipped with his centre-backs caught upfield in the opposition box at a corner.

If Struijk is withdrawn and Ampadu pushed out of midfield, can Farke keep the side’s solidity? In the past few weeks, he has resisted calls for Tanaka or Rothwell to replace Gruev because of the balance the Bulgarian has brought alongside Ampadu.

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Too many personnel changes could open more doors for Coventry City.

Joseph gets a goal for his critics?

Mateo Joseph has been excellent this season. His all-round play at the tip of the United attack has helped in so many ways, but he will have wanted more than one goal at this point.

The 20-year-old’s pre-season form was electric and suggested he would be there to tuck away virtually all of United’s chances. It has not panned out that way up to now and his critics would say Joel Piroe should get a go with his finishing ability from the start.

Can the Dutchman get one from the bench again to turn the screw? Joseph will start and bring plenty to the team shape, but will know a goal can quieten even his own doubts.

Gnonto’s due too

Wilfried Gnonto, who is actually a little younger than Joseph, would you believe, is due a goal. After the departures of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, the Italian has the chance to become this side’s talisman.

There was an opening-day strike against Pompey, but Gnonto has been on a dry spell since then. There is no threat to his starting berth, especially while Daniel James and Solomon are injured, but the wideman will be keen to get his tally moving.