The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 10th September) Who will Farke choose between the sticks after Perri injury
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 10th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Who will Farke choose between the sticks after Perri injury
Leeds United's deepening injury worries has taken another hit with the revelation that first-choice goalkeeper Lucas Perri has sustained an injury during training. This latest setback for Daniel Farke means the 27-year-old Brazilian, who has kept two clean sheets this season, will now be sidelined, though the full extent of his injury is yet to be disclosed.
He come under heavy criticism from fans after Leeds were comprehensively thrashed 5-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates last month, a performance that raised questions about his performance, but looked assured against Newcastle, making several good saves.
With Perri now unavailable, Farke is forced to reassess his goalkeeping options, a predicament made more complex by recent form. Karl Darlow, promoted to No 2 this summer, endured a calamitous moment in the Carabao Cup against Sheffield Wednesday, a mistake that will undoubtedly weigh heavily on Farke's decision-making.
This unfortunate turn of events may open the door for Illan Meslier to be welcomed back into the fold. The former French U21 International could be handed an unexpected opportunity to prove his worth. Farke's choice between Darlow and Meslier will be critical against a Fulham team with something to prove, having not won in their opening three games.
Leeds will need something from trip to Craven Cottage
Leeds United’s Premier League campaign is shaping up to be a relentless battle for survival, and their upcoming trip to Craven Cottage against Fulham this weekend has quickly escalated into a pivotal encounter. Given the formidable opposition they face throughout the season, securing points from teams perceived to be within their reach is non-negotiable if they are to avoid the drop.
The 49ers have set Daniel Farke the challenging task of accumulating 38 points this season, a feat that necessitates a ruthless approach against the weakest teams in the top flight. Unfortunately for Fulham, their recent form and lack of transfer activity, places them squarely in that crucial category for Leeds.
Marco Silva’s Cottagers are yet to register a win in their opening three games, despite showing flashes of promise. They earned creditable draws against Manchester United and Brighton, displaying resilience that suggests they are no pushovers. Their defeat to Chelsea, a result they can feel genuinely aggrieved by, also indicates a team capable of competing.
However, Fulham’s summer spending has been modest, with only around £40m invested, primarily on Shakhtar’s Kevin, alongside securing AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze on a season-long loan. This relatively conservative outlay could suggest a squad that might struggle for depth and consistent quality over a demanding Premier League season.
Despite his last gasp equaliser against the Seagulls, star man Rodrigo Muniz has been quiet so far this season. According to stats on 'Whoscored.com', the Brazilian ace is only ranked 12th in their roster, on a lowly 6.15 rating. The Leeds defence will need to be alert in order to keep him quiet!