Leeds are unbeaten in nine 2024 outings in all competitions, but they have won each of their last six Championship fixtures. Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Rotherham United was so comfortable, and secured so early, that Farke was able to start resting key players for a large chunk of the second half. He admitted that Tuesday’s visit to Swansea City was in his mind as he took two-goal Crysencio Summerville and Patrick Bamford off the Elland Road pitch.
The temptation will be to leave a winning side well alone, but the amount of games Leeds are having to play at present also has to be a consideration. At right-back Farke has a 17-year-old, whose involvement and physical load will be strictly monitored. Archie Gray could well be given a rest for this one, though, now that Connor Roberts has begun to settle in after a loan move from Burnley. At left-back Farke has, in Junior Firpo, a player with an extensive injury history since a move from Barcelona to Leeds. But a fresh hamstring problem for Sam Byram and a personal issue keeping Jamie Shackleton out, Farke will almost inevitably have to rely on Firpo once more. Byram had waited patiently in the wings since his return to fitness and proved, at Plymouth, that he was once again able to go for 90 minutes, but the manager revealed a new muscle injury for the full-back in the wake of the win over the Millers. That switch, which was inevitable at some stage soon, will now have to wait.
Up front, the last couple of years have been complicated, to put it mildly, for Bamford. A Saturday to Tuesday turnaround, with travel involved, will certainly give Farke some food for thought when it comes to his selection. Might he be tempted to put Joel Piroe in against his former club and give Bamford a rest? Or was the way in which the manager managed Saturday’s minutes sufficient to safeguard against fatigue and injury risk? Here’s how the YEP can see the Whites lining up against the Swans.
7. Glen Kamara
Kamara's form has been steady and it has needed to be, with Farke requiring Ampadu in the back four. Whilst not always at his absolute best, the Finland international has been more than good enough to contribute to this winning streak. Pic: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Photo: Clive Brunskill
8. Willy Gnonto
The little Italian was unable to carry on his goalscoring streak against the Millers, but it was not for the want of trying. He's looking far more confident after the goals and should keep his place, if fit. Pic: Harry Trump/Getty Images Photo: Harry Trump
9. Crysencio Summerville
His two goals after half-time against Rotherham allowed Farke to rest Summerville for a good chunk of the second half, with Tuesday night's game in mind. Pic: George Wood/Getty Images Photo: George Wood
10. Georginio Rutter
The Frenchman was an absolute menace, again, in Saturday's win over Rotherham United. Although he's had a lot of minutes of late, he should be able to handle this turnaround. Pic: Matt McNulty/Getty Images Photo: Matt McNulty
11. Patrick Bamford
The centre-forward has made a big difference to the Leeds attack and his movement has made Farke's side a threat from just about anywhere on the pitch. Having a hand in the goals has made a big different to Bamford, too. He looks a more confident and dangerous striker for it. Pic: Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images Photo: Ryan Hiscott