Leeds United set for changes as Daniel Farke forced into unwanted decision vs Watford
Leeds United will be looking for their first home win of the season on Saturday against Watford
This weekend, when Leeds United hosts Watford at Elland Road, Daniel Farke will be compelled to make unwelcome changes. Leeds stretched their unbeaten streak to five games on Wednesday night with a hard-fought draw against Hull City. The manager made two adjustments to his team to keep things fresh.
But he’ll have to make additional adjustments this weekend against the Hornets since Joe Rodon, who was sent off at the MKM Stadium, will be suspended and unable to play. Naturally, Wilfried Gnonto is also seen as questionable after leaving Wednesday’s game with a limp after only 21 minutes.
With Leeds looking to secure their first league win on home soil on Saturday, here’s a look at some of the changes Farke will be mulling over.
Daniel Farke may see Leeds United’s late-summer acquisition strategy materialize against Watford.
However, the injury picked up by Wilfried Gnonto in East Yorkshire might just open the door for Anthony to make his first Leeds start against Watford on Saturday. Gnonto started the game at Hull before leaving the field with a foot issue in the 21st minute of the contest, to be replaced by Crysencio Summerville, who was one of Leeds’ strongest on the night.
Daniel Farke couldn’t provide a timeframe after the game and he’ll have everything crossed the Italian’s injury isn’t quite as bad as perhaps first feared. If he’s ruled out of Saturday’s clash at Elland Road, though, there will be a spot to fill on the left wing and Anthony ought to be doing all he can to try and seize it
Of course, he faces opposition for the position. Dan James received the start on the right on Wednesday night following his two assists as a substitute at The Den, while Summerville will anticipate being reinserted after the aforementioned performance.
However, the Dutchman seems more suited to playing off the right side, while Anthony is adaptable but more at home on the left. This weekend, as he attempts to settle comfortably at Elland Road and send a message to those carefully watching from the south coast, he will be focusing on that, as that is where he performed at his best while wearing a Bournemouth shirt.
Anthony has a history of having a significant impact on the Championship. The former Arsenal youth player helped the Cherries win promotion during the 2021–22 season with eight goals and six assists, and he will undoubtedly benefit from making 30 Premier League matches the previous season.
As a result, he is skilled at cracking open second-tier defenses. If Watford choose to sit deep at Elland Road and make life difficult for the Whites, Anthony’s possession skills and ability to beat a man may come in handy. There is no question that the winger has something to prove to West Yorkshire, and this weekend—should Farke glance his way—could be his chance.
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