EFL pundit says Daniel Farke should ‘definitely’ start Leeds United’s ‘fabulous’ player against Norwich City

Leeds left Sunday’s first leg in Norfolk a little happier than Norwich, the result following a 0-0 draw.

Daniel Farke sprung a tactical surprise on his line-up for that game when he brought on Archie Gray in a three-man midfield, with Georginio Rutter leading the line rather ineffectively. It was the first time all season that he went with that setup.

Farke was clearly happy to ensure Leeds avoided defeat at a venue where Norwich have been so strong all season.

Only Ipswich Town, Leeds and Leicester City had better home records than the Canaries in the regular campaign, with their last defeat coming back in early November.

Adrian Clarke shares why Dan James’ debut would lift the Leeds crowd

Being at Elland Road again, the onus will now be on Leeds with home advantage at the back to open up a bit more and go for the jugular.

Apart from the penalty decision that probably should have gone Willy Gnonto’s way in the first half, the Leeds back three and Gray just couldn’t get into the game.

Leeds managed just two tame shots on target in the 90 minutes and so it would be no surprise if Farke returns to a more focused side.

Speaking on the latest episode of What The EFL Podcast, pundit Adrian Clarke urged Farke to recall Dan James to his starting line-up to reignite Leeds’ attacking fire as he would “get the crowd going”.

He said: “I think it’s going to be weird. If Leeds score early then maybe they can have a bit of fun with him and maybe find that momentum. Willy Gnonto was perhaps the one who looked sharper than some of the others over the weekend.

“I would definitely bring Dan James. I think his pace and directness would get the crowd going, take Leeds up the pitch and give Norwich City a bit of a scare because he’s got that speed.”

Will Dan James be fit enough to start for Leeds?

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post , Farke said after Sunday’s game that James was on the bench more as a lucky charm rather than someone who could come in and make an impact.

The ‘fabulous’ James missed Leeds’ last two games of the season through injury and a late call was made for his inclusion in the squad at the weekend.

The 26-year-old has come on for the final three minutes, but Jaidon Anthony has not often been used ahead of him in recent months.

It remains to be seen if the three days of recovery time between the two legs is enough for James’ game to start.

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