Leeds United boss Farke must repeat Archie Gray’s move vs Norwich: Opinion

VaselineMay 16, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Leeds United boss Farke must repeat Archie Gray’s move vs Norwich: Opinion

Leeds United take on Norwich City in a winner-takes-all clash at Elland Road tonight, with the winner booking a place in the Championship play-off final.

Leeds United went into tonight’s game knowing that just one win would be enough.

After holding Norwich City to a 0-0 draw in the first leg, they should have the upper hand as they chase all three points with the support of the raucous Elland Road faithful. It was a dismal first tie and it leaves things in the balance before tonight.

leeds united, Opinion: Daniel Farke must repeat Archie Gray's call for crucial tie Leeds United — Image courtesy: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.

There is no hiding that the Whites’ recent performances have been far below the standards they have set for themselves. A remarkable run to get into the title race has seen Daniel Farke’s side play some of the best the league has seen this season, but they have been far from it for a few weeks now.

It means tonight’s clash is of the utmost importance and all eyes will be on Farke’s starting XI.

He, such as opposition leader David Wagneropted against a pregame press conference, likely in large part due to a reluctance to give his opponent further insight into their injury situation and potential lineup.

However, for the second leg, teenager Archie Gray must retain his place in midfield.

Who is this?

THE QUIZ STARTS!

A welcome move

18-year-old star Gray is a natural midfielder and that is the role he has played in the early stages of the campaign. However, he made the switch to right back with great success and stayed there for much of the regular season, even with other, more natural options.

For the first tie at Carrow Road, however, Gray was moved into Leeds United’s midfield, while Georginio Rutter was sent up top and Sam Byram came in at right-back.

Image courtesy: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.

Although the move did not yield any goals, it was one that helped White retain more control in the middle. It was very helpful to have another natural midfielder alongside Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev.

Heading for a tie at home, where Leeds will be determined to have the lion’s share of possession, will be key to having Gray in a position to bring his best skills to bear. He is a fantastic player on the ball and while the dynamism of his right-back role has allowed him to see plenty of the ball, having him in midfield will ensure he is on it in more dangerous areas.

In a bid to rediscover that deadly scoring form displayed by Leeds United earlier this year, this could be the key.

Big decisions await

Of course, this move will leave Farke with some key decisions.

Gray starts with no. Role 10 as Rutter – despite struggling for form – continues to climb? Or, do they give up one of Kamara or Gruev to have Gray in a deeper role? That would likely mean Rutter playing behind the striker, who would be one of fitness doubts Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph or Patrick Bamford.

Image courtesy: ANDREW COULDRIDGE/REUTERS.

It will no doubt give the Leeds United boss enough of a headache ahead of the tie, but these are the calls the best managers have to make, and they have to get them right.

Losing tonight would be a huge disappointment for White. They are no strangers to play-off heartbreak and with the tie so poised, things could really go either way.

Starting Gray in midfield could give Leeds United the extra control and quality in key areas they need to get the better of Norwich City.

VaselineMay 16, 2024

0 2 minutes read