Daniel Farke could remove Brenden Aaronson as one of three changes when his Leeds United side take on Sheffield United on Monday.
Leeds head to Bramall Lane for a Yorkshire Derby which is also a top-of-the-table meeting in the Championship, with the Whites sat two points clear of Sheffield United at the summit on 72 points.
Daniel Farke’s side staged one of the season’s most remarkable comebacks to defeat Sunderland at Elland Road, with Pascal Struijk coming on late to score twice, including in the final minute.
Leeds, buoyed by their last-ditch 2-1 victory against the Black Cats, now face the Blades with the opportunity to go five points clear at the top – and perhaps ten points ahead of third place in the automatic promotion spots.
Farke to axe Brenden Aaronson for Leeds United vs Sheffield United
Although a 2-1 victory over a promotion competitor, especially given the circumstances and the intense atmosphere in LS11, suggests no changes will be made, that is unlikely to be the case at Bramall Lane.
Farke will not be on the touchline to make in-game changes against Chris Wilder’s side, after his touchline ban was maintained after he received a yellow card during the wild celebrations at Elland Road.
Manor Solomon is the most major question for Monday’s meeting after picking up a knock against the Black Cats, and Farke is unlikely to risk the winger from the start since he has missed training.
Ilia Gruev, whose straight substitution Struijk made the difference on Monday, failed to impress against Sunderland and, although being a valuable defensive option, could be dropped.
Aaronson, who has been an ever-present for Farke in the number 10 position this season, was similarly unable to make an impact against Sunderland, but his departure creates a whole different alternative.
Joe Rothwell to take a fresh new Leeds position versus Sheffield United.
Aaronson’s absence from the squad on Monday would undoubtedly raise eyebrows, but following his two assists for Struijk’s brace against Sunderland, Farke merely needs to find a starting spot for Joe Rothwell.
The 30-year-old Bournemouth loanee offered the guile, passing, and, most importantly, set-piece ability that turned the game on its head, setting up both Struijk headers after coming on for the Dutchman.
With Struijk almost expected to return to the starting lineup after his impact in the second half, Ethan Ampadu, despite a rough performance against Wilson Isidor, will likely step up to midfield and replace Gruev.
There is a case to be made that Rothwell should replace Ao Tanaka next to the skipper, but with Farke set to prioritize defensive stability, Aaronson will almost certainly replace the Japanese international.
Rothwell’s superior passing and ball-striking abilities at number 10 may really unlock the Blades defence, providing Farke with a completely new creative outlet to complement his front three.
That front three is set to consist of Joel Piroe and Dan James as usual, but with Solomon’s availability questionable, Largie Ramazani – who also had a part in Struijk’s victory – might come in on the left wing.
