Leeds United will be searching for a hero to come up in the season’s final three games.
Leeds’ push for automatic promotion has met a big stumbling block recently, with the club picking up only five points out of a possible 15 since the international break.
Fortunately, due to the form of Ipswich Town and Leicester City, Leeds remain in contention. However, it is expected to be a nail-biting finish following a ‘huge week’ for Southampton, who are suddenly very much back in contention.
Leeds’ attacking players have been the standouts for much of the season under Daniel Farke. Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter were, of course, named to the Championship TOTS on Sunday.
However, both have seen a decline in form at the worst conceivable time, according to Don Goodman, and it is difficult to dispute with that assertion.
Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville are struggling for Leeds
Both players have been tearing Championship defences apart all season, with their pace and dribbling abilities causing several difficulties.
However, in recent contests, they have not been as effective. Summerville attempted only one dribble against Blackburn Rovers and failed to accomplish it.
Meanwhile, Rutter has been guilty of squandering possession since shifting to number ten. Perhaps a change of position would benefit him in the final three.
Leeds have been guilty of pressing the ball to Summerville in games where they have struggled, but there is someone else in that front four who should be trusted more.
Farke must make Gnonto Leeds’ major goal in the run-in.
Willy Gnonto is one of the few Leeds attackers who has recently stepped up, despite his injury during the international break coming at a bad moment.
As goals dried up around him, Gnonto scored six in nine starts after replacing the injured Dan James in early February.
After two substitute appearances against Coventry City and Sunderland, Gnonto returned to the starting lineup last weekend and immediately looked like Leeds’ main danger.
Farke regarded Gnonto as ‘outstanding’, and he was the lone player seeking to get shots off. He also created a fantastic opportunity for Patrick Bamford at 0-0.
With that in mind, Farke must make the £3.8 million star his primary focus in the run-in. His choice to bench him against Blackburn was perplexing, and he cannot afford to make that mistake again.
James is a terrific super sub to have on the bench, but he does not have to replace Gnonto. He might be the man to propel Leeds to promotion.
