Leeds United prepare for a season-defining clash against Plymouth Argyle this Saturday, with the Championship crown hanging in the balance. The Whites sit on 97 points, neck and neck with Burnley, and must not only beat the Pilgrims but also rely on results at Turf Moor to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
The tension is palpable at Elland Road, where even a routine fixture has taken on epic proportions. Fans and pundits alike believe that Leeds possess the firepower to outgun struggling Plymouth, but the margins in this title duel are razor-thin. With Sky Sports set to broadcast live and Opta’s algorithms tipped in Leeds’ favour, expectations are sky-high.
Injury Woes Threaten Farke’s Final Matchday Plans
Manager Daniel Farke faces a logistical headache after confirming that Dan James and Junior Firpo are doubtful for the trip to Home Park. James has shown slight improvement in training but remains a late call, while Firpo is nursing a hamstring issue and missed Thursday’s session entirely.
Further problems have emerged in midfield, where Isaac Schmidt continues to battle a stubborn knee complaint. Joe Rothwell returns to light training and could make the bench, though the Leeds boss admitted that his fitness may only allow for limited minutes. Meanwhile, defensive stalwarts Pascal Struijk and Sam Chambers are ruled out, narrowing Farke’s selection options.
Sentimental Farewells Could Steal the Spotlight
With the squad reduced by injuries, this fixture presents an emotional opportunity for several long-serving players to bow out in style. Sources suggest that versatile full-back Sam Byram might be handed a final appearance in a white shirt, while Patrick Bamford could be granted one last dance up front before speculation on his future reaches fever pitch.
In the editor’s view, these parting moments could galvanise a squad desperate to deliver a fairytale ending. Allowing departing stars a platform at Home Park would be a classy gesture from Farke and the club hierarchy—one that supporters will savour regardless of the final result.
Predicted XI: Who Will Wear the Whites One Last Time?
Assuming fitness tests go as hoped, Karl Darlow is expected to start between the sticks, shielded by a back four of Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, and possibly Byram in place of Firpo. Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev should anchor the midfield, with Willy Gnonto and Manor Solomon providing width in front of them.
Upfront, Farke faces a choice between sticking with the in-form Joel Piroe and Brendan Aaronson or unleashing Patrick Bamford in a farewell cameo. The editor believes that introducing Bamford could inject the perfect blend of experience and emotion, ensuring the striker goes out with a flourish if that is indeed his swansong for the club.
