Leeds United face two-striker temptation and critical burn-out assessment vs Stoke
Leeds United visit Alex Neil’s Stoke City at Bet365 Stadium in the Championship on Wednesday night and here are five things to look out for around the match
All-out attack again?
It seems distinctly unlikely to be what Daniel Farke will start the match with, but could Leeds United switch to the 3-5-2 that looked so impressive on Saturday afternoon? As the manager was chasing the three points in Norfolk, he pushed up to six attackers on the field and laid siege to the home goal.
Farke had far less to lose at that point than he does at kick-off tonight with the game all square, but the temptation must be there given how irresistible the team looked with so much attacking quality on the field.
Archie Gray may just keep going for the rest of the season now and make us all look silly for being so concerned about him. This would be the 17-year-old’s seventh match in 21 days.
READ MORE: Leeds United line-ups vs Stoke City as Archie Gray and Daniel James are axed
One match every three days for three weeks just doesn’t sound at all right, especially for someone in their first season as a senior pro. Farke liked what he saw on Saturday and seemed far from concerned in his pre-match press conference either.
Luke Ayling or Jamie Shackleton will be braced to start if the youngster does get to put his feet up.
Minutes for the leaders?
Ayling and Liam Cooper have been talked up by Farke in each of his last two media briefings. Their dressing room leadership is invaluable, but the German knows they are desperate to play more.
Could a cold midweek night in Stoke be the place for his older heads?
Does Summerville kick on?
Consistency is key to reaching the levels Farke wants to see his attackers get to in this division. One-off performances are all well and good, but the German wants to see goals and assists from every game if these talents are to reach the next level in their careers.
If Crysencio Summerville can follow up his weekend exploits with another match-turning display in the Potteries, he will be on the right track to being the force in the league he craves.
